Reports indicate that Hamas may be willing to agree to a set of Israeli conditions in exchange for a ceasefire and the resumption of consistent humanitarian aid to Gaza.
According to the London-based Arabic-language newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, sources within Hamas have expressed a preliminary willingness to accept Israel’s core demands in exchange for a halt to fighting and a withdrawal of IDF forces from the Gaza Strip.
Israel’s demands reportedly include the disarmament of Hamas, the expulsion of remaining Iranian operatives and commanders from the territory, and the formal replacement of the Hamas regime in Gaza.
Israel’s security establishment has made it clear that it prefers a comprehensive deal — one that would secure the release of all hostages and end the war — while ensuring that Gaza’s future governance lies in the hands of a new, non-Hamas entity, at least in name.
Many Israeli officials believe Hamas will likely attempt to rebuild its power regardless, but if a deal is struck, it would give Israel the legitimacy to strike again in the future without the constraint of hostages being held.
Hamas is reportedly leaning toward a formal acceptance of the terms, largely due to agreements around the regulated entry of humanitarian aid and a clearly defined process for Israeli troop withdrawal.
While the full scope of Hamas’s willingness to comply with all aspects — particularly the broad expulsion of its senior leadership — remains unclear, negotiations appear to be progressing.
A Reuters report earlier revealed that President Donald Trump addressed the ceasefire talks, stating: “We’re going to know within the next 24 hours if Hamas agreed to the ceasefire.” He added, “Many others will join the Abraham Accords.”
Overnight, Hamas released an official statement noting that it is currently consulting with other Palestinian factions regarding the ceasefire proposal and will respond after deliberations conclude.
The statement read: “As part of our commitment to ending the Zionist aggression against our people and ensuring unrestricted humanitarian aid enters, the organization is holding consultations with the leaders of the Palestinian factions regarding the proposal presented by mediators.”
Meanwhile, Israel’s Security Cabinet convened to weigh its strategic options — whether to intensify the fighting if no breakthrough occurs or to work toward a broader regional agreement, or perhaps settle for a temporary deal that would buy time and reduce pressure.
Earlier in the evening, Reuters cited an Israeli official confirming that preparations are underway for the approval of a ceasefire agreement. The official said Israel expects Hamas to deliver a response by Friday. If the answer is positive, an Israeli delegation will join indirect negotiations to finalize the arrangement.
As Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu prepares for a high-stakes visit to Washington to meet with President Trump, pressure is mounting in Israel to arrive with tangible progress on the hostage talks and ceasefire plan — something Trump is reportedly expecting.
As previously reported, the current working framework includes a proposed 60-day truce during which Hamas would release 10 living hostages and return the bodies of 18 others.
Israeli officials are bracing for Hamas to complicate talks by disputing names on prisoner lists or quibbling over procedural details. As one source quoted on Ynet put it, “With Hamas, they’ll argue about names or keys — that’s just how it goes.”
Simultaneously, President Trump is continuing to apply significant diplomatic pressure on Netanyahu to secure a ceasefire as part of a larger regional initiative aimed at establishing broader ties between Israel and Arab states.
During a White House meeting with former hostage Edan Alexander and his family, Trump declared, “We’re going to close the deal.”
One element of the emerging deal would reportedly prohibit Hamas from staging televised “release ceremonies,” as occurred during the previous truce — footage that sparked widespread international condemnation.
According to Ynet, sources within the Israeli cabinet claim Netanyahu is highly motivated to reach an agreement, even “at almost any price.” One insider said the prime minister believes the current geopolitical window is extraordinarily rare, calling it “a once-in-a-generation opportunity.”
In closed conversations, Netanyahu is said to have described the diplomatic moment as “a dreamlike, historic opportunity we cannot afford to miss.”
{Matzav.com Israel}