Hamas has given "positive approval" to the latest U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal for Gaza, a senior official from the Palestinian militant group said on Saturday, describing it as part of a comprehensive agreement requiring full Israeli compliance.
The Hamas official, who requested anonymity, told Xinhua that the group's written response to international mediators includes specific timelines and implementation details, emphasizing the need for Israeli adherence to all terms, including reconstruction commitments. "The ball is now in the court of the U.S. administration to pressure the Israeli government to comply with the agreement, rather than allowing it to prolong the war," the official said.
The proposal outlines a three-phase process for releasing all Israeli hostages held in Gaza for more than 60 days under international supervision, according to the source. Hamas is demanding the reopening of all border crossings without restrictions and seeking international guarantees to prevent renewed hostilities. The group also called for aid distribution to continue through existing mechanisms.
Under the terms, Israeli forces would withdraw to positions held before March 2, followed by a five-year truce. A civilian technocratic committee would assume administrative responsibilities in Gaza after implementation, the official said. In a separate statement Saturday, Hamas confirmed it had submitted its formal response to the ceasefire proposal put forward by U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff.
The deal would see 10 living Israeli hostages released alongside the remains of 18 others in exchange for an agreed number of Palestinian prisoners, Hamas said. The proposed agreement aims to establish a permanent ceasefire, complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and ensure humanitarian aid flows to the enclave, the group added.
A previous ceasefire, which took effect on Jan. 19, collapsed on March 18 when Israel resumed military operations in Gaza. Ahead of the renewed offensive, Israel closed all border crossings and restricted the flow of humanitarian aid starting March 2. Only limited aid access has been permitted since May 22.
The health authorities in Gaza reported on Saturday that the death toll from Israel's military campaign since October 7, 2023, has reached 54,381, with 124,054 injured. Since hostilities resumed on March 18, the authorities reported 4,117 deaths and 12,013 injuries.
(Source: Xinhua)
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