Hamas is awaiting a response from Israel on a ceasefire proposal, two officials of the Palestinian terror group said on Sunday, five days after it accepted a key part of a US plan to end the nine-month war in Gaza.
“We have left our answer with the mediators and are waiting for the occupation’s answer,” a Hamas official told Reuters, asking not to be named.
The three-phase plan was put forward by US President Joe Biden at the end of May and is being mediated by Qatar and Egypt. It aims to end the war and free about 120 Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
Another Palestinian official with knowledge of the ongoing ceasefire talks said Israel was negotiating with the Qataris.
“Hamas’ response was discussed with them and they promised to give Israel’s response in a few days,” the official told Reuters on Sunday, speaking on condition of anonymity.