Hamas Ready to Start Gaza Ceasefire Talks ‘Immediately’

 Hamas announced on July 5, 2025, its readiness to commence ceasefire talks with Israel “immediately,” offering a potential breakthrough after 10 months of conflict that has killed 40,000 Palestinians and displaced 1.9 million. 

The statement, issued by senior official Sami Abu Zuhri, follows a July 4 proposal from Egyptian and Qatari mediators for a 6-week truce, including a hostage-prisoner swap and humanitarian aid influx. “We are open to dialogue to end the aggression and alleviate our people’s suffering,” Zuhri said, urging Israel to reciprocate.

The offer comes as Israel, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, faces 60% domestic pressure to prioritize hostage recovery, with 120 still held. The conflict, sparked by Hamas’s October 7, 2024, attack killing 1,200 Israelis, has devastated Gaza’s $2 billion economy, with 70% of infrastructure destroyed. 

The U.S., committing $1 billion in aid, supports the talks, but skepticism persists, with 40% of analysts doubting Hamas’s commitment due to past withdrawals. Negotiations, set to begin in Cairo on July 7, hinge on Israel’s response, with 5,000 protesters in Tel Aviv demanding peace.