Hamas holding consultations on truce proposal

HAMAS said yesterday it was holding consultations with other Palestinian movements on a truce proposal in the war with Israel, in a possible sign that it was preparing for negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza.

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The statement came ahead of a visit on Monday by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Washington, where US President Donald Trump is pushing for an end to the war.

The conflict in Gaza began with Hamas’s unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which sparked a massive Israeli offensive aimed at destroying Hamas and bringing home all the hostages seized by militants.

Two previous ceasefires mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the US have seen a temporary halt in fighting, coupled with the return of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

“The movement is conducting consultations with leaders of Palestinian forces and factions regarding the proposal received... from the mediators,” Hamas said in a statement early Friday.

Hours earlier, Netanyahu vowed to bring home all the hostages held by militants in Gaza, after coming under massive domestic pressure including from the hostages’ loved ones over their fate.