Hamas Seeks Guarantees for Permanent Ceasefire Deal with Israel

Hamas is insisting on a clear promise of a permanent end to the war with Israel as the two sides near a proposed ceasefire deal, a senior source close to the group said. The demand has long been a key sticking point in previous failed negotiations, but the latest efforts have gained momentum with a US-brokered ceasefire that ended a 12-day aerial conflict between Israel and Iran. As Israeli airstrikes continue in Gaza, killing dozens more people, the prospects for reaching a ceasefire and hostage deal appear high, nearly 21 months since the war began.

Key Takeaways:

• Hamas is seeking guarantees that a new US ceasefire proposal for Gaza will lead to a full end to the war, a source close to the group said.
• Israeli officials confirmed that details of the deal are still under negotiation, with two officials confirming that talks are ongoing.
• The proposed agreement includes a staggered release of 10 living Israeli hostages and the return of the bodies of 18 more in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
• A senior Israeli official close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said preparations are underway to approve the deal.
• The demand for ending the war has long been a sticking point in previous failed talks.

Statistics:

• 59 people killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on Thursday, according to local health authorities.
• 21 months since the war with Hamas began.
• 10 living Israeli hostages proposed for release in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
• 18 Israeli bodies proposed for return in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
• 50 hostages believed to remain in Gaza, with around 20 thought to still be alive.

Sources:

• A source close to Hamas.
• Two Israeli officials.
• Egyptian security sources.
• A senior Israeli official close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
• US President Donald Trump.
• Israeli officials.