Hamas seeks ceasefire guarantees as scores more are killed in Gaza

Hamas is seeking firm assurances that a new U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal will ultimately bring the Gaza conflict to an end, a source close to the group said on Thursday, as Israeli airstrikes continued across the territory, killing at least 59 people, according to local health officials.

Israeli authorities said a ceasefire and hostage exchange deal now seems increasingly likely, nearly 21 months since the war began. The momentum for a ceasefire increased after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire ended a 12-day aerial clash between Israel and Iran, though heavy Israeli bombardment in Gaza has persisted.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday (4 July) it would probably be known in 24 hours whether Hamas has agreed to accept what he has called a "final proposal" for an Israel-Hamas ceasefire in Gaza.

”We’ll see what happens, we’re going to know over the next 24 hours," said President Trump when he arrived at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.

On Tuesday, President Trump said Israel had agreed to a 60-day ceasefire framework under which both sides would work toward ending the war. Hamas, however, wants clear guarantees that the temporary pause will transition into a permanent resolution. Two Israeli officials confirmed that these terms are still under negotiation.

Hamas said it is consulting with other Palestinian groups before responding to mediators. Egyptian and Qatari officials are trying to secure international guarantees to keep talks moving and persuade Hamas to accept the deal, Egyptian sources said.

An Israeli official close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the government was ready to approve the agreement. Another source said Israel expects Hamas’ reply by Friday and, if positive, an Israeli delegation would join indirect negotiations to finalise the arrangement.

The proposal includes the phased release of 10 Israeli hostages and the return of 18 bodies in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Out of the 50 hostages still held in Gaza, only 20 are believed to be alive. Humanitarian aid would enter Gaza immediately, and Israeli forces would gradually withdraw from parts of the Strip. Talks on a permanent ceasefire would begin right away.

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee expressed cautious optimism, saying the final outcome depends on Hamas’ decision. He added that both President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu want the war to end and confirmed upcoming White House talks involving Netanyahu.

Despite diplomatic efforts, fighting on the ground has continued. Medics reported that Israeli fire killed 20 people heading to an aid site and another 17 died in a strike on a school in Gaza City. The Israeli army said it had targeted a Hamas fighter and tried to avoid civilian harm.

Witnesses described chaos and suffering.

"The tent collapsed on us, and everything was on fire", said Wafaa Al-Arqan, who was sheltering at the school. "What can we do? Is it fair for all these children to burn?"

The war began on 7 October, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israel's military response has since killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry, and displaced much of the population, causing severe humanitarian crises.

Israel insists it won't stop fighting until Hamas is dismantled. Hamas says it is ready to release the remaining hostages if Israel agrees to end the war.

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