Istanbul/Gaza City,September 9(HS): Hamas confirmed it is reviewing “ideas” conveyed by the United States through mediators on a possible Gaza ceasefire, just a day after President Donald Trump issued a stark ultimatum to the group, warning this was his “last warning” to agree to a deal.
The proposal, according to Palestinian officials, envisions a 60-day truce under which Hamas would release all 48 remaining hostages within 48 hours in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, some serving life terms. The deal also calls for humanitarian aid, negotiations over Hamas’s disarmament, and the creation of an independent governing body in Gaza.
Israel signaled cautious acceptance of the U.S.-backed plan. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar declared Israel was ready to end the war if all hostages were freed and Hamas laid down its arms. Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a blunt warning: “Release the hostages and put down your weapons – or Gaza will be destroyed.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, urged over one million residents in Gaza City to evacuate, as Israeli forces intensified ground operations and air strikes, demolishing multiple high-rises.
On Monday alone, at least 40 Palestinians were killed by Israeli bombardments, health officials said, while four Israeli soldiers died in clashes in northern Gaza. The humanitarian crisis continues to spiral, with the UN cautioning that famine is spreading beyond Gaza City.
Hamas stated it was ready for negotiations “to develop these ideas into a comprehensive agreement,” tying the release of hostages to a clear declaration of ending the war and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Yet, analysts suggest the group may resist demands for full disarmament.
The U.S. proposal appears designed to chart an immediate path toward de-escalation while laying groundwork for a lasting political settlement. Still, with Trump pressing Hamas to accept swiftly and Israel escalating its offensive, the window for diplomacy is narrowing by the day.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
