Hamas responds to proposed ceasefire truce for Gaza

Hamas says it has responded to a framework proposal for a new ceasefire in Gaza.

The terms of the agreement reached by Israel, the United States, Qatar, and Egypt have not been disclosed.

It was earlier thought to be a six-week truce in which more Israeli prisoners would be exchanged for Palestinian detainees.

Israel and the US have both stated that they are assessing Hamas’ reaction.

U.S Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is presently in the Middle East, stated that he will examine Hamas’ response with Israeli officials.

While Mr Blinken has given no indication of how the US views the response, President Joe Biden described it as “a little over the top” suggesting the Israeli leadership will not easily agree to what the group is asking.

A senior Hamas official said the group had presented a “positive vision” in response to the framework but had asked for some amendments relating to the rebuilding of Gaza, the return of its residents to their homes and the provisions for those who had been displaced.

The official said Hamas had also asked for changes relating to the treatment of those injured, including their return home and transfer to hospitals abroad.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman al Thani has described Hamas’s response as “positive” in general.