‘We are ready to begin sincere ceasefire talks in Gaza immediately,’ says Hamas

‘We are ready to begin sincere ceasefire talks in Gaza immediately,’ says Hamas
[Gaza, July 5, 2025] — The armed Islamic resistance movement Hamas has declared that it is “immediately and sincerely” ready to begin discussions over a proposed ceasefire in Gaza. The statement came at a time when Gaza's civil defense authority confirmed that 50 more people have been killed in recent Israeli airstrikes.

Netanyahu's upcoming Washington visit and diplomatic moves

Before announcing this position, Hamas held consultations with other Palestinian factions. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to visit Washington on Monday.
U.S. President Donald Trump has been exerting diplomatic pressure to end the war, which has now stretched on for 21 consecutive months.

Hamas statement

In an official statement, Hamas said:

“We are ready to begin discussions immediately and sincerely. We want to initiate talks over a draft ceasefire proposal and its implementation process.”

Islamic Jihad’s condition

Hamas’s allied group, Islamic Jihad, expressed support for the ceasefire initiative, but added:

“It is crucial that Israel provides guarantees not to resume aggression after the release of prisoners.”

October 7 attack: The beginning of the war

The current war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel. In response, Israel launched a full-scale military operation aimed at destroying Hamas and rescuing Israeli hostages.

Following this, two temporary ceasefire agreements were brokered through the mediation of Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, which allowed for the exchange of hostages and prisoners.

Netanyahu’s pledge and Trump’s remarks

On Friday, Netanyahu reaffirmed:

“I am fully committed to bringing all the hostages home.”

From the White House, President Trump stated:

“The people of Gaza are living in hell. I want security and peace for them.”

Draft proposal for a 60-day ceasefire

According to a Palestinian source, the current draft ceasefire proposal includes:

• A 60-day ceasefire period;

• During this time, Hamas will release half of the 22 remaining live Israeli hostages it holds;

• In return, Israel will release a specified number of Palestinian prisoners.

In the October 2023 attack, Hamas took a total of 251 Israeli hostages, including civilians and soldiers. Israel currently estimates that 49 hostages remain in Gaza, of whom 27 are believed to be dead.

Casualty figures

• Killed in the October 7 Hamas attack in Israel: 1,219 (mostly civilians)

• Killed in Israeli retaliatory attacks in Gaza: 57,268 (mostly civilians)