Hamas delivers 'positive response' to cease-fire plan in Gaza
by Simon Corlett · UPIJuly 4 (UPI) -- Hamas has delivered what its leaders called a "positive response" to the U.S.-backed plan for a cease-fire with Israel in Gaza.
Hamas issued a statement on Friday saying it "is fully prepared to immediately enter into a round of negotiations regarding the mechanism for implementing" the cease-fire, CNN reported.
President Donald Trump on Thursday said he expected Hamas to quickly respond to the latest peace deal in Gaza..
"We'll see what happens," Trump told an inquiring reporter during an Iowa rally. "We are going to know over the next 24 hours."
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Israel earlier this week agreed to the "necessary conditions" of a plan spearheaded by U.S. special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff that would see a cease-fire with Hamas in Gaza.
Witkoff's plan would impose a 60-day end to hostilities in the Palestinian enclave.
Many of the details remain unknown, including any related to the remaining Israeli hostages being held by Hamas.
"I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better - IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE," Trump wrote on Truth Social earlier this week.
In January, Hamas and Israel signed a deal for a cease-fire that was to take place over three phases and lead to the eventual release of all hostages, both living and dead.
The first phase ended in March with both sides accusing the other of violating the terms of the deal.
In April, Hamas formally rejected further cease-fire plans, and the two sides have since been locked in conflict in Gaza.