After more than two weeks of indirect negotiations mediated in Qatar, Palestinian militant group Hamas announced on Thursday that it has submitted its official response to an Israeli proposal for a 60-day ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
In a brief statement posted to Telegram, Hamas said it had delivered “its response and that of the Palestinian factions to the ceasefire proposal to the mediators.”
The development marks a potential turning point in efforts to end the months-long conflict that has devastated Gaza and left diplomatic efforts in limbo.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed receipt of the response, stating: “It is currently being evaluated.”
According to a Palestinian source close to the ongoing talks in Doha, Hamas’s counteroffer includes amendments to several key provisions: the entry and distribution of humanitarian aid, withdrawal maps outlining where Israeli forces must retreat, and guarantees for a permanent cessation of hostilities.
The negotiations, mediated by Qatar with support from Egypt and the United States, are aimed at securing a multi-phase truce and the release of remaining Israeli hostages taken during Hamas’s October 2023 cross-border attack. Of the 251 hostages, 49 remain in Gaza, including 27 confirmed dead, according to Israeli military sources.
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Despite the resumed engagement, tensions remain high. Israel continues to insist on the complete dismantling of Hamas’s military and governing infrastructure, while Hamas maintains that any agreement must include a permanent ceasefire, full Israeli troop withdrawal, and unrestricted humanitarian aid access.
On Wednesday, Israeli government spokesman David Mencer accused Hamas of delaying the talks. “Israel has agreed to the Qatari proposal and the updated [US special envoy Steve] Witkoff proposal. It is Hamas that is refusing,”
Mencer said, emphasizing that Israel’s negotiating team remained in Doha.
Meanwhile, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to travel to Europe this week for further high-level discussions aimed at advancing the stalled deal and coordinating humanitarian aid efforts.
Humanitarian concerns are growing, with over 100 aid organizations warning of ‘mass starvation’ in Gaza. Israel, however, contends that aid is being allowed through, blaming international agencies for failing to distribute supplies effectively inside the strip.
As evaluations continue and diplomacy trudges forward, the region—and the world—waits for signs of a long-awaited breakthrough.