After extensive diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing Gaza conflict, Hamas has officially responded to the US ceasefire proposal, which includes the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip.
A Hamas spokesman stated that the organization, along with the smaller group Islamic Jihad, is ready to negotiate to reach an agreement, with the primary goal of ending the war.
This development was covered by Zeit.
Their response prioritizes "the interests of our Palestinian people" and stresses "the need for a complete halt to the ongoing aggression against the Gaza Strip."
Both groups expressed readiness to engage in talks to end the conflict.
Hamas spokesman Jihad Taha mentioned that their response included "changes that confirm the ceasefire, withdrawal, reconstruction, and (prisoner) exchange," without providing further details.
The US government announced it is reviewing Hamas' response to the proposal.
"We have received the response that Hamas gave to Qatar and Egypt, and we are reviewing it," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters.
The response refers to a plan presented by US President Joe Biden at the end of May for an "immediate and complete" ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
The plan includes the withdrawal of the Israeli army from populated areas of the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages taken by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The agreement would initially result in a six-week ceasefire, with the potential for extension.
Parallel negotiations for a lasting end to the fighting would continue.
The USA, Egypt, and Qatar have been trying for months to mediate an agreement between Israel and Hamas, but so far without success.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already "reaffirmed" his support for the plan presented by Biden at a meeting, said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during his visit to Tel Aviv.
