Hamas backs ceasefire deal but insists on amendments

Hamas has agreed to release 10 living Israeli hostages and return the bodies of 18 others in a US-proposed ceasefire, which would also see Palestinian prisoners and detainees released.

- ALEX CROFT

Washington has been pushing for a 60-day truce which would see the exchange of 28 of the 58 hostages still held in Gaza for more than 1,200 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, along with the entry of humanitarian aid into the enclave. Of the 58 hostages that remain, Israel believes 35 are dead.

Hamas said it has responded positively to a ceasefire proposal presented by Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, but the Palestinian militant group has demanded an end to the war as one of its conditions – something which has been a red line for Israel. The White House said on Thursday that Israel had already agreed to the proposals.

The Hamas statement added: “This proposal aims to achieve a permanent ceasefire, a comprehensive withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and ensure the flow of aid to our people and our families in the Gaza Strip.”

It said its response came “after conducting a round of national consultations”.