Hamas accepts US-proposed phased ceasefire deal

AP news agency quoted a Hamas official and an Egyptian official as saying on July 6 that Hamas had accepted a phased ceasefire proposed by the US, dropping its main demand that Israel make an initial commitment to ending the war completely.

The phased US deal includes a “full and complete” six-week ceasefire, two officials said, under which Hamas would release some hostages – including women, the elderly and the wounded – in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

During this time, Israeli forces will also withdraw from populated areas in Gaza and allow displaced people to return to their homes in northern Gaza, while Hamas and Israel and mediators will also negotiate the terms of a second phase to allow the release of the remaining male hostages.

In return, Israel would continue to release Palestinian prisoners. The third phase would see the return of all remaining hostages, including the bodies of those captured, and the start of a multi-year reconstruction project.

Two officials confirmed that Hamas still wants “written guarantees” from mediators that Israel will continue to negotiate a permanent ceasefire after the first phase takes effect.

Hamas's compromise could help halt fighting for the first time since last November and set the stage for further talks on ending the brutal nine-month war.

However, all sides cautioned that a deal was not yet secured.