The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has announced its readiness to start talks on a ceasefire to end the ongoing violence in Gaza. The organization said that it has received a ceasefire proposal brokered by Egypt and Qatar and has responded positively to the proposal.
Hamas says it is interested in participating in the talks and is ready to discuss ways to implement the issue. However, it claims that these talks must guarantee a permanent ceasefire and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
Hamas’s close ally, the Islamic Jihad movement, has also shown interest in the talks. However, it has also said that it does not want to engage in any talks without a commitment to a permanent solution.
According to international observers, the recent progress on the Gaza issue comes in the context of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s upcoming visit to the United States. He will arrive in the United States next Monday (July 6).
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump responded to Hamas’s positive response, saying that a ceasefire agreement could be reached within the next week. However, he admitted that he had not yet received detailed information about the latest developments in the talks.
Trump also said that the ceasefire could initially be in effect for 60 days, and that the period could be extended if necessary.
According to analysts, this diplomatic effort could be an important step towards a sustainable end to the 21-month-old Gaza conflict. However, how effective it will be will depend on the sincerity of all parties and their adherence to the terms of the agreement.
