Hamas announced on Wednesday (July 2) that it is reviewing a ceasefire proposal for Gaza, described by U.S. President Donald Trump as “final.” However, the group insists that any agreement must include a full Israeli withdrawal from the territory. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Hamas must be destroyed.

Trump stated on Tuesday that Israel had agreed to the key terms of a 60-day ceasefire following discussions between U.S. and Israeli officials. Hamas, in a statement, confirmed it was considering new offers brokered by Egypt and Qatar, emphasizing its goal to secure a complete end to the war and the removal of Israeli forces from Gaza. In his first public comments since Trump’s remarks, Netanyahu reaffirmed his stance against Hamas: “There will not be a Hamas. There will not be a ‘Hamastan’. That time is over.”

Both sides restated long-standing positions, offering no clear indication of potential compromise. “I hope this one works, even if it’s only for two months. It could save thousands of lives,” said Kamal, a Gaza City resident. Others, however, expressed doubt about Trump’s ability to deliver lasting peace. “We hope he is as serious now as he was during the Israel-Iran war when his intervention led to a ceasefire,” said Adnan Al-Assar from Khan Younis.

Netanyahu faces increasing domestic pressure to reach a permanent ceasefire and end the nearly two-year war, though some members of his right-wing coalition remain opposed. Simultaneously, recent Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, along with the ceasefire that ended last month’s 12-day Israel-Iran air conflict, have intensified pressure on Hamas, which receives support from Iran. Israeli officials believe that with Iran weakened, there’s an opening for improved ties between Israel and other regional nations.

Signs of Hope: Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed cautious optimism, saying Israel was committed to securing a hostage deal and ceasefire. “There are encouraging signs,” he noted during a visit to Estonia, while stressing the need to begin indirect talks soon. Of the 50 hostages still held by Hamas, only around 20 are believed to be alive.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid indicated his party would support a deal by pledging not to undermine the government if cabinet members oppose it, helping avoid a no-confidence vote in parliament. Back in May, Hamas had requested changes to a U.S.-backed ceasefire plan, which Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff dismissed as “completely unacceptable.” That plan called for a 60-day truce, during which half the hostages would be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and the remains of others. The rest of the hostages would be freed in a second phase, tied to a permanent end to the war.

Trump posted on Tuesday that “Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalise the 60-day ceasefire,” adding that the U.S. would work with all parties to end the conflict—though he didn’t outline those conditions. A source close to Hamas said its leadership is expected to discuss the proposal and request clarifications from mediators before issuing a formal response. Gaza health officials reported that Israeli attacks over the last 24 hours killed at least 139 Palestinians in both northern and southern areas, and further evacuations were ordered late Tuesday.

Among the casualties was Marwan Al-Sultan, head of the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza, who was killed in an airstrike along with his wife and five children, according to medical sources. The Israeli military stated that it had targeted a Hamas "key terrorist" in Gaza City and was investigating civilian deaths. It expressed regret over harm to non-combatants and said it takes measures to avoid such outcomes. Hamas launched its assault into Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people—mainly civilians—and capturing 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures. In response, Israel launched a military campaign that has killed over 57,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, displaced nearly the entire 2.3 million population, and caused a major humanitarian disaster, according to Gaza's health ministry.