Hamas' Reaction to the Gaza Ceasefire Proposal

Hamas has stated that it has provided its response to a proposed framework for a new ceasefire in Gaza. The specific details of the agreement, which was put forth by Israel, the US, Qatar, and Egypt, have not been disclosed. Previously, reports suggested that the deal would involve a six-week truce, during which more Israeli hostages would be swapped for Palestinian prisoners. Israel and the US have stated that they are currently reviewing Hamas's response. US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, presently in the Middle East, has expressed his intention to discuss Hamas's response with Israeli officials on Wednesday. He stated, "There is still much work to be done, but we remain confident that an agreement is possible and necessary." The conflict in Gaza initially began on October 7th when Hamas gunmen launched an unprecedented attack on southern Israel, resulting in the death of approximately 1,300 individuals and the capture of about 250 others. As per the Hamas-run health ministry, over 27,500 people have been killed in Gaza since then. During a week-long ceasefire in late November, 105 Israeli and foreign hostages were released in exchange for 240 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. On Tuesday, Israel confirmed that 31 out of the remaining 136 hostages in Gaza had been killed.