On Tuesday, Hamas announced that it has delivered its response to the U.S.-backed cease-fire proposal for Gaza, requesting some amendments. Although not an outright acceptance, this reply keeps negotiations alive for an elusive end to the eight-month conflict.
The foreign ministries of Qatar and Egypt, key mediators along with the United States, confirmed receipt of Hamas’ response and stated that they are currently evaluating it.
“We have received this reply from Hamas via Qatar and Egypt, and we are evaluating it right now,” said John Kirby, White House national security spokesman, addressing reporters in Washington.
Hamas spokesperson Jihad Taha mentioned that their response included amendments concerning the cease-fire, withdrawal, reconstruction, and a prisoner exchange, but did not provide further details.
Despite the U.S. claim that Israel has accepted the proposal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has delivered mixed messages, stating that Israel’s campaign will continue until Hamas is destroyed.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been in the region this week advocating for the deal, marking his eighth visit since Hamas’ October 7 attack on southern Israel, which triggered Israel’s military response in Gaza. On Tuesday, Blinken reiterated the importance of the proposal, highlighting the U.N. Security Council’s vote in favor of it as evidence of global support.
“Everyone has cast their vote except for one party, and that’s Hamas,” Blinken told reporters in Tel Aviv after meeting with Israeli officials, just hours before Hamas announced its response. He added that Netanyahu had reaffirmed his commitment to the proposal during their meeting late Monday.