Israel Hamas expresses additional wishes for ceasefire
Islamist Hamas has said it has agreed to a new proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. "Hamas has submitted a positive response to the mediators," the organization announced on its Telegram channel. It was prepared to immediately enter into indirect negotiations on the implementation of this proposal, the statement continued.
04.07.2025, 21:53
04.07.2025, 22:28
SDA
It did not provide any further details, including any conditions or reservations. An official of the organization, who did not wish to be named, had told the German Press Agency (dpa) shortly before the statement was published that the response to the mediators Egypt, Qatar and the USA also contained the wish for some clarifications.
He added that there was still a need for clarification regarding the continuation of the ceasefire after the initial 60-day period, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip and unhindered access for humanitarian aid to the sealed-off coastal area.
The mediators had recently presented a proposal for a 60-day ceasefire in the Gaza war. According to US President Donald Trump, Israel has already agreed to the "necessary conditions" for the ceasefire to be concluded.
The exact terms of the mediators' new proposal are still unclear. According to Israeli and international media, the proposed deal includes the release of ten of the at least 20 hostages still alive and the handover of the bodies of 18 abductees in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
Previous ceasefire deals had failed due to the diverging views of Israel and Hamas. During the limited period of the ceasefire, the sides were supposed to negotiate the details of a permanent ceasefire.
The Islamists are demanding an agreement that leads to an effective end to the war. Israel would like to reserve the right to take further military action after the 60 days have elapsed if the detailed negotiations do not lead to a result.
