Israeli Cabinet Convenes to Assess Hamas Response on Gaza Ceasefire Deal
Israeli Cabinet to review Hamas' ceasefire response amid key disputes over Gaza troop withdrawal. Hamas signals openness but demands full Israeli pullout, while Israel seeks to retain southern control. Talks to continue.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Israeli Cabinet is set to convene on Saturday evening to deliberate over the latest developments in the ongoing Gaza ceasefire negotiations, following Hamas’ official response to the most recent U.S.-backed proposal.
According to Israeli public broadcaster, Israeli officials confirmed late Friday that Hamas has submitted its response to the ceasefire framework drafted by international mediators. The Palestinian movement proposed a series of "amendments" to the original terms, which Israeli sources described as likely to pose a “challenge” to the government’s decision-making.
While no official statement has been issued by the Israeli government, Channel 13 reported that Tel Aviv is now carefully reviewing Hamas’ reply and is expected to formulate a comprehensive position in the coming days.
Negotiations Likely to Continue
According to Channel 13, Israeli officials are preparing to dispatch a delegation to engage with the mediators once internal assessments are complete. The negotiations are expected to continue, particularly around key issues such as the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, and broader security arrangements in Gaza.
Contentious Points: Troop Withdrawal from Gaza
One of the main obstacles anticipated in the forthcoming discussions centers around Israeli military withdrawals. According to Israel Hayom, the crux of the dispute lies in Hamas’ demand for a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, while Israel seeks to maintain control over the areas in the southern part of the enclave.
Hamas Declares Readiness for Immediate Talks
In a statement released earlier Friday evening, Hamas confirmed that it had completed its internal consultations with Palestinian factions regarding the proposed ceasefire framework. The group said its response “carried a positive tone” and reflected a readiness to enter into immediate negotiations.
Hamas added that it is prepared to engage in a new round of talks focused on the practical mechanisms for implementing the deal, aiming to fulfill the aspirations of the Palestinian people and bring an end to the sustained Israeli military operations in Gaza.
Outlook Remains Uncertain
Despite the apparent willingness of both parties to continue dialogue, the divergence over core issues such as troop withdrawal timelines and post-conflict governance remains a formidable challenge. The outcome of Saturday’s Israeli Cabinet meeting is expected to set the course for the next phase of diplomatic engagement.
