Hamas has confirmed it has been given “some ideas” via mediators from the United States on how to reach a ceasefire in Gaza.
The group said discussions were under way to refine the proposals, adding that it was prepared to free the 48 hostages still held in Gaza if there was a “clear” commitment to ending the conflict.
According to a Palestinian official speaking to the BBC, the US plan envisions hostages being released within the first two days of a 60-day truce. In return, Israel would free Palestinian prisoners, and both sides would engage in good-faith talks toward a permanent ceasefire.
The development came after US President Donald Trump issued what he described as a “last warning” to Hamas, insisting that Israel had already accepted his terms, though he did not provide specifics.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said his government was ready to sign a deal that would end the war, secure the release of all hostages — with only 20 thought to be alive — and lead to Hamas’s disarmament.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged roughly one million Palestinians in famine-hit Gaza City to leave immediately, as Israeli forces intensified their offensive. In a video message, he said, “In the past two days we have brought down 50 terrorist high-rises, and this is only the beginning of the ground operation in Gaza City… you have been warned, get out.”
Hospitals reported that Israeli strikes killed at least 40 people across Gaza on Monday, including 25 in Gaza City and other areas of the north. The Israeli military confirmed four of its soldiers had been killed during fighting in the same region.
On Sunday evening, Hamas announced it had received “a set of ideas” from Washington through mediators aimed at securing a Gaza ceasefire, saying it welcomed the initiative. The group added that it was in ongoing contact with intermediaries to shape those proposals into a broader agreement that would “meet the needs of our people.”
Hamas signaled it was ready to begin talks on freeing all hostages captured during its 7 October 2023 assault on Israel, in return for a clear commitment to end the war, a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the creation of an independent Palestinian committee to administer the enclave.
Earlier in the day, US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social: “Everyone wants the Hostages HOME. Everyone wants this War to end! The Israelis have accepted my Terms. It is time for Hamas to accept as well. I have warned Hamas about the consequences of not accepting. This is my last warning, there will not be another one!”
A senior Palestinian source involved in the negotiations told the BBC the US framework calls for hostages to be released in the first 48 hours of a 60-day truce, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, including those serving long or life sentences, as well as detainees from Gaza. The plan, the official said, also comes with a personal guarantee from President Trump that both sides would enter good-faith talks toward ending the war.
Those talks, scheduled to begin in the first two weeks of the pause, would tackle Hamas disarmament, the establishment of a new independent governing authority in Gaza, and arrangements for an Israeli troop pullout. Humanitarian aid would also move into the territory without restrictions. Israeli media reported that Jerusalem was giving the proposal serious consideration, though Hamas was expected to struggle with its terms.
On Monday, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said his country had already agreed to the deal outlined by Trump. “We are ready to accept a full deal that would end the war,” he said, stressing that the return of hostages and Hamas’s disarmament were essential. Defense Minister Israel Katz added a warning: “Release the hostages and put down your weapons — or Gaza will be destroyed and you will be annihilated.”
Meanwhile, Israel continued its offensive in Gaza City. For the fourth consecutive day, a high-rise building was destroyed, with video showing the al-Roya 2 tower collapsing after being struck by two missiles. Displaced families who had been sheltering inside, as well as those living in nearby tents, were ordered to evacuate beforehand. The Israeli military said Hamas operatives had been using the site for surveillance and planning attacks.
Civilians described the situation as desperate. “We don’t know what to do and where to go. The bombing is insane,” said Janine Zoarob, a woman displaced from her home. “I am afraid for my children, for myself, and for those around me.”
Israel has told displaced residents to move to a newly designated “humanitarian zone” in southern Gaza, an area of less than 43 square kilometers about 12% of the territory. The military says essential infrastructure exists there, but the UN has warned conditions are dire, with overcrowded tent camps, overstretched hospitals, and a looming famine.
UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher urged unimpeded aid access, civilian protection, and a ceasefire, warning that famine already declared in Gaza City could spread south within weeks.
The war began after Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attack on Israel, which killed around 1,200 people and saw 251 hostages taken. Since then, Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry says at least 64,522 people have been killed in Israeli strikes. The ministry also reports 393 deaths from hunger and malnutrition so far, including six in the past 24 hours.
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