Ceasefire Proposal
Hamas affirmed its readiness to consider any proposal it receives from the mediators in a positive and responsible manner, while preserving the national rights of the Palestinian people.
Egypt also rejected its continued expansion of settlement in the Palestinian territories and the backtracking from the peace process based on the two-state solution, which enjoys regional and international support.
The foreign minister stressed that there is “no valid excuse for Israel’s lack of response to this international effort,” emphasizing ongoing contacts with the US and Israel to endorse the proposal.
They discussed their efforts, alongside the US, to reach an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, which facilitates the delivery of humanitarian aid to people in the enclave.
Cairo’s calls come as Egypt and Qatar have submitted a joint ceasefire and hostage-prisoner swap proposal, accepted by Hamas on Monday, and are awaiting Israel’s official response, expected by the end of the week.
“If the enemy persists and reneges on this round as it has done every time, we do not guarantee a return to the partial deals formulas or to the proposal of the ten prisoners,” Abu Obeida warned.
There are still many victims under the rubble and on the streets, and ambulance and civil defense crews cannot reach them, the ministry noted.
“The movement has submitted a positive response to the mediators and is fully prepared to enter negotiations immediately on the mechanism for implementing this framework,” Hamas said in a Telegram post.
The official told Reuters that the proposal is “positive and should help reach a deal.”
Hamas movement issued a brief statement on Friday, highlighting its commitment to ending the Israeli aggression against Palestinians and ensuring the free entry of humanitarian aid.
Trump earlier this week said he hopes Hamas accepts the proposal, asserting that Israel has agreed to the “necessary conditions” to reach the deal.
Egyptian calls for resumed assistance to Gaza have intensified since Israel blocked aid deliveries to the enclave on 2 March, following the expiration of the first phase of a ceasefire brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the US.
According to a statement released by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, the call addressed the joint efforts of mediation by Egypt, the United States, and Qatar to release the Israeli captives, achieve calm and de-escalation, and consolidate and implement the ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
The destination for the delegation has not been announced
They highlighted that the deal aims to provide immediate relief to the long-suffering people of Gaza, as well as the captives and their families
A delegation from Hamas is scheduled to visit Cairo on Monday to deliver the movement's response to Egyptian and Qatari mediators regarding a recent ceasefire proposal in Gaza, along with a proposed prisoner swap deal.
The movement added that it still adheres to reaching a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of the Israeli occupation army from the entire Gaza Strip, the return of the displaced to their areas and places of residence, intensification of the entry of relief and aid, and the start of reconstruction.
