Hamas submits ‘positive' response to Gaza ceasefire proposal, Palestinian official says
US President Donald Trump earlier announced a 'final proposal' for a 60-day ceasefire in the nearly 21-month-old war between Israel and Hamas, stating he anticipated a reply from the parties in coming hours.
'We have handed the mediators, Qatar and Egypt, our response to the ceasefire proposal,' a Hamas official said on condition of anonymity.
'The Hamas response is positive and I think it should help and facilitate reaching a deal,' said the Palestinian official close to the talks.
Trump said on Tuesday that Israel had agreed 'to the necessary conditions to finalise' a 60-day ceasefire, during which efforts would be made to end the US ally's war in the Palestinian enclave.
A Palestinian is seen on Friday at the site of an Israeli strike that damaged and destroyed residential buildings at the Shati refugee camp in Gaza City. Photo: Reuters
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to comment on Trump's announcement and in their public statements, the two sides remain far apart. Netanyahu has repeatedly said Hamas must be disarmed, a position the militant group, which is thought to be holding 20 living hostages, has so far refused to discuss.
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