Hamas says it’s ready for Gaza ceasefire talks

KABUL (Pajhwok): Hamas has announced its readiness to begin negotiations with Israel “immediately” on the implementation of a US-backed ceasefire proposal for Gaza, a media report said on Saturday.

Citing Hamas ally Islamic Jihad, Al Jazeera reported that the group also supports the proposed talks, but has demanded “guarantees” that the negotiations will result in a permanent ceasefire.

Hamas’s statement did not specify what provisions it might seek to amend or clarify the extent of its conditions for the agreement.

Meanwhile, medical sources in Gaza reported that at least 18 people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes across the besieged enclave since midnight (21:00 GMT, Friday).

On July 1, US President Donald Trump announced that Israel had agreed to a proposed 60-day ceasefire in Gaza and urged Hamas to accept the deal.

He described it as a “final offer” and said the proposal would be conveyed to Hamas through Qatari and Egyptian mediators.

kk/sa