In a major development, Hamas has officially handed its response to mediators regarding the latest United States–brokered ceasefire proposal, signaling a potential breakthrough in the nearly two-year Gaza conflict. A Palestinian official confirmed to Reuters that Hamas submitted its reply on Wednesday through Qatari and Egyptian channels.

While the contents of the response remain undisclosed, earlier reports suggested Hamas had responded “in a positive spirit” to the framework, which calls for a 60-day truce, phased release of captives, and a structured plan toward a permanent ceasefire. The proposal reportedly includes releasing 10 living and 18 deceased Israelis on specified days, escorting aid delivery into Gaza, and immediate negotiations on a lasting settlement.

However, substantive gaps remain between Hamas and Israeli demands. Hamas is pressing for binding guarantees that the truce will pave the way to permanent peace, including troop withdrawals and final resolution of hostages. Conversely, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to insist on Hamas’s disarmament and the removal of its leadership before any meaningful truce can persist.