Report: Hamas to Respond to Ceasefire Proposal Tonight

Palestinian Arab terror factions are anticipated to issue a formal reply later today to the current ceasefire offer, a source told the Saudi-based Al-Arabiya news channel. According to that insider, there appears to be strong alignment among the various groups around a short-term 60-day pause in fighting, which would serve as a window for discussions on a permanent resolution and the complete pullout of Israeli troops from Gaza.

The individual emphasized that all factions involved have, in principle, given their backing to an initial two-month truce.

That timeframe, they said, would be used to conduct further negotiations aimed at forging a longer-lasting arrangement, which would include halting the war altogether and removing IDF forces entirely from the territory.

The source also pointed out that the factions are unified in their view that a ceasefire is necessary in order to stabilize the internal situation in Gaza.

Still, the final word on whether to approve the deal rests with Hamas leadership. The source indicated that Hamas appears inclined to accept the proposal, although certain technical details remain unresolved.

Separately, Hamas representatives told the Saudi Alsharq channel that the group has shown signs of willingness to compromise on key security matters, including an openness to halting arms smuggling and even allowing some of its leaders to leave the area temporarily under a broader ceasefire framework.

Though the most recent conversations haven’t specifically touched on disarmament or banishment of top commanders, the sources noted that there is “flexibility” on the matter of weapons.

The group might also agree to the temporary and symbolic removal of a limited number of commanders, so long as it serves the goal of securing a broad and lasting ceasefire agreement.

The report also noted that both Arab and Western mediators have been engaged in talks with Hamas as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to bring the conflict to an end.

{Matzav.com Israel}