Hamas official says the group was serious in reaching a Gaza ceasefire deal based on Trump's plan

Hamas official says the group was serious in reaching a Gaza ceasefire deal based on Trump's plan

A Hamas official has confirmed the group's commitment to reaching a Gaza ceasefire deal based on Donald Trump's 20-point plan. The statement comes as indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas proceed in Egypt, with both parties hopeful of a potential agreement.

The Hamas official, speaking to Al Jazeera, stated that the group's delegation, led by Khalil al-Hayya, had arrived in Sharm el-Sheikh to begin negotiations on Monday. The talks are focused on the mechanisms for a ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces, and a prisoner exchange .

Hamas has expressed its willingness to release the remaining hostages and hand over the administration of Gaza to a transitional Palestinian Administrative Committee of independent technocrats, as per Trump's plan. However, the group has also emphasized that certain aspects of the proposal, such as the future of the Gaza Strip and Palestinian rights, require further consultations among Palestinians .

Despite the progress in negotiations, the Israeli military has continued its bombing campaign in Gaza. At least 24 Palestinians were killed on Sunday, including four asylum seekers near an aid distribution center . This has raised concerns among international mediators, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who urged Israel to pause its offensive to facilitate the discussions .

The foreign ministers of several Arab countries, including Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and the United Arab Emirates, have issued a joint statement supporting Hamas's steps on Trump's plan and welcoming the immediate launch of negotiations .

The negotiations are expected to be concluded this week, with Trump expressing optimism about the progress made so far. However, the outcome remains uncertain, and both parties have yet to reach a final agreement.