• Hamas has responded positively to a US ceasefire proposal but is seeking amendments.
• The Palestinian group agrees to free 10 hostages and return 18 bodies in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
• Negotiations are hindered by demands for a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
• The humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens as ongoing Israeli airstrikes and blockades exacerbate food shortages.
• Mediators from Egypt and Qatar are increasing efforts to resolve the deadlock in discussions.

On Saturday, Hamas announced it had responded to a ceasefire proposal presented by US envoy Steve Witkoff, committing to free 10 living hostages and return the bodies of 18 others. The group reiterated its demands for a permanent ceasefire and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza in exchange for an agreed number of Palestinian prisoners, as part of the proposal advanced by the US. While Hamas did express readiness to negotiate, spokespersons indicated dissatisfaction with key aspects of the proposal and a need for amendments, particularly concerning US guarantees and conditions around hostage releases, according to The New York Times, Reuters, and Anadolu Agency.

In its statement, Hamas emphasized the need for guarantees that the ceasefire would transition into a permanent resolution, signaling its unwillingness to accept mere temporary pauses in fighting. Israeli officials quickly labeled Hamas's demands as “unacceptable” and reiterated a belief that any deal should come with a complete disarmament of Hamas. The apparent deadlock is reflective of ongoing tensions, with Hamas insisting on a framework that ensures lasting peace and stability despite Israel's objective of resuming military actions post-ceasefire, as reported by ABC News, Los Angeles Times, and Channel News Asia.

The backdrop to these negotiations is a dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, where months of Israeli military action have led to significant civilian casualties and widespread shortages of food and basic supplies. The UN has warned that the population of Gaza is at risk of famine, as humanitarian aid continues to be insufficient to meet the needs of over two million residents. Reports of desperate situations have surfaced, including civilians intercepting aid trucks due to critical food shortages, prompting calls for immediate action to alleviate the crisis, according to Al Jazeera, Middle East Eye, and The New York Times.

Egypt and Qatar, serving as mediators, have committed to enhancing collaborative efforts to bridge the gaps in the discussions. Both nations expressed their dedication to facilitating a ceasefire that serves the dual purpose of addressing immediate humanitarian needs and creating a pathway toward long-term stability in the Gaza Strip. Efforts are focused on negotiating a 60-day truce that may offer some respite from the ongoing hostilities, as underscored by statements from both nations, cited in Anadolu Agency, TRT World, and India Times.