Hamas Ready to Begin Ceasefire Talks in Gaza Amid Rising Tensions

The Palestinian resistance group Hamas said on July 5, 2025, that it is ready to start talks for a ceasefire in Gaza. Hamas gave a “positive response” to a peace proposal brought by mediators working under US guidance. The group said it will now discuss how to put the plan into action.

Israeli media reported that Israel has received Hamas’s reply. This may be a key step toward ending the long months of fighting in the region. US President Donald Trump welcomed Hamas’s willingness to negotiate. He expressed hope that this would bring peace to the troubled area.

President Trump mentioned that Hamas could answer his “final proposal” for a Gaza ceasefire within 24 hours.

Meanwhile, health officials at Nasser Hospital shared tragic news. Early on July 5, Israel struck a tent camp near Khan Younis in southern Gaza. This attack killed 15 people, many of whom were already displaced by the ongoing conflict. Later, Palestinians held funeral prayers and buried those who died in the airstrike.

Thirteen-year-old Mayar Al Farr, who lost her brother Mahmoud, said tearfully, “We should have had a ceasefire long before now.”

Adlar Mouamar, whose nephew Ashraf was also killed, called on the world to stop the fighting. “We don’t want food. We want the bloodshed to stop,” she said.

Trump said the world will likely know soon if Hamas accepts the ceasefire plan. He also revealed that Israel agreed to a 60-day ceasefire to allow time for future talks.

Hamas, however, has insisted on a permanent end to the conflict. They are still reviewing the US proposal but have not given an official answer yet.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not publicly commented on Trump’s ceasefire offer. Some members of Netanyahu’s government oppose the deal, while others seem open to talks. Netanyahu demands that Hamas must disarm before any ceasefire. Hamas has rejected this demand many times during the discussions.

In Tel Aviv, on the US Independence Day, people protested outside the US Embassy. They asked President Trump to work for the release of hostages held by Hamas. Families of the hostages joined the protest. They set up a symbolic Shabbat dinner table with 50 empty chairs, representing those still captive.

Banners showed Trump’s social media message: “MAKE THE DEAL IN GAZA. GET THE HOSTAGES BACK!!!” Shabbat is the Jewish day of rest from Friday night to Saturday night, and families usually share dinner on Friday evening.