Sources familiar with the discussions told Reuters that Hamas is hoping to build support among the mediators for its proposals.
According to the sources, Hamas may agree to a ceasefire lasting five to seven years in exchange for an end to the war, the reconstruction of Gaza, the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel, and the freedom of all hostages currently in Gaza.
Taher al-Nono, a media adviser to Hamas, said, "We have not rejected the idea of a ceasefire or its duration. We are prepared to discuss it within the framework of negotiations. We are open to any serious proposal aimed at ending the war."
However, al-Nono firmly rejected Israel’s demand for Hamas to disarm. "The weapons of Hamas are not up for negotiation. As long as there is occupation, our weapons will remain in our hands," he said.
Meanwhile, Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sharon Haskell dismissed the chances of success for the new ceasefire proposal this week. "If Hamas releases the remaining 59 hostages and surrenders its arms, the war could end tomorrow," she stated.
The conflict traces back to October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a major attack on southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking approximately 251 hostages.
In retaliation, the Israeli military launched a massive offensive in Gaza on the same day. After more than 15 months of relentless operations, a ceasefire was brokered under pressure from the United States and other mediators on January 19. However, before the two-month ceasefire could fully take hold, Israeli forces resumed military operations in Gaza on March 18.
In this second phase of the offensive, more than 2,000 people have been killed and over 5,000 injured.
