Hamas Responds Positively to U.S.-Brokered Ceasefire Framework as Gaza Death Toll Mounts

 GAZA / WASHINGTON — In a potential breakthrough after nearly 21 months of relentless warfare, Hamas on Friday expressed a "positive spirit" in response to a new U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal, signaling its readiness to enter negotiations aimed at implementing a 60-day truce, securing hostage releases, and setting the stage for broader talks to end the Israel-Gaza conflict.

The announcement followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s unveiling of what he described as a “final proposal” for a ceasefire, noting he expected responses from both Israel and Hamas within hours. The proposal, according to U.S. officials, seeks to halt hostilities while facilitating humanitarian access and initiating structured negotiations between the warring parties.

“The Hamas movement has completed its internal consultations and discussions with Palestinian factions regarding the latest mediator proposal,” read a statement on the group's official website. “Our response, conveyed to the mediators, is marked by a positive spirit. Hamas is fully prepared to immediately engage in serious negotiations regarding the implementation mechanisms.”

Despite this cautious optimism, significant obstacles remain. A senior member of a militant faction allied with Hamas cited ongoing concerns over the delivery of humanitarian aid, operational clarity at the Rafah crossing into Egypt, and the absence of a clear timetable for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.

President Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One on Friday, welcomed Hamas’ remarks. “They said they gave me a positive response? Well, that’s good,” he said. “There could be a Gaza deal next week.”

Egyptian and Qatari mediators, central to the negotiation efforts, confirmed that Hamas’ response contained encouraging signals, but noted that certain demands still required resolution.

Trump reiterated that he would be “very firm” with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — expected to visit Washington on Monday — about the urgency of reaching a ceasefire. “He wants one too,” Trump added.

Israel Yet to Issue Formal Response

Israel has yet to officially comment on Hamas’ response. However, Israeli media cited a government source who confirmed that the proposal was under review. Prime Minister Netanyahu has publicly maintained that any deal must include the disarmament of Hamas — a non-starter for the militant group, which is believed to still hold around 20 living hostages.

Meanwhile, Israeli military operations continued across Gaza. According to local health authorities, at least 138 Palestinians were killed over the past 24 hours. Among the casualties were 15 displaced persons in a tent encampment in Khan Younis, struck by an Israeli air raid around 2 a.m. Friday.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported eliminating militants, seizing weapons, and striking 100 targets across the enclave, including Hamas military positions, weapons depots, and rocket launchers.

In the aftermath, residents gathered for funeral prayers, mourning the ongoing toll of the conflict. “There should have been a ceasefire long ago before I lost my brother,” said 13-year-old Mayar Al Farr, whose brother was fatally shot while trying to collect humanitarian aid. “He went to get flour for us to eat. He got a bullet in his neck.”

Hostage Families Urge Trump: “Make the Deal”

In Tel Aviv, on U.S. Independence Day, relatives of hostages held in Gaza demonstrated outside the U.S. Embassy, pressing President Trump to clinch a deal. Protesters set up a symbolic Sabbath table with 50 empty chairs, representing those still in captivity. Banners displayed Trump’s social media message: “MAKE THE DEAL IN GAZA. GET THE HOSTAGES BACK!!!”

“Only you can make the deal. We want one beautiful deal — one beautiful hostage deal,” said Gideon Rosenberg, a Tel Aviv resident whose employee, Avinatan Or, was abducted from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023.

An official close to the negotiations said the current proposal envisions the return of 10 hostages during the 60-day truce, along with the remains of 18 others believed to have died in captivity.

Ruby Chen, father of 19-year-old American-Israeli soldier Itay Chen, who was taken hostage and later declared dead, urged Netanyahu to return from Washington with a deal that secures the release of all captives. “This has to end — for all of us,” he said.

The war, triggered by Hamas' surprise attack in October 2023 that killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and led to 251 hostages being taken, has since devastated Gaza. While Hamas retains control over parts of the enclave, much of Gaza lies in ruins, with over 57,000 Palestinians — primarily civilians — killed according to local health authorities, and the majority of the population displaced amid a growing humanitarian catastrophe.