The Gaza peace deal negotiations have moved forward after Hamas accepted a draft ceasefire proposal outlining a phased disarmament process alongside a gradual Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza.
The proposal seeks to reduce fighting and establish conditions for a longer-term political settlement.
Hamas Sets Conditions for the Ceasefire
Hamas said the second phase of the proposed agreement should begin only after Israel fully implements the first phase.
The group said Israel would need to withdraw its forces from Gaza and halt military operations before negotiations could proceed to the next stage.
Hamas confirmed its position in an official statement, highlighting the importance of sequencing the commitments under the proposed agreement.
Fighting Continues Despite Ceasefire Proposal
Despite the reported progress, violence continued after US President Donald Trump announced the proposed deal.
Israeli airstrikes reportedly hit areas of central and northern Gaza, killing one Palestinian and injuring several others.
Emergency teams responded as residents attempted to reach safer locations amid continued military activity.
The continued violence underlines the challenges facing negotiators as they seek to translate the draft proposal into a durable ceasefire.
Iran Reports Strike on US Base
Regional tensions also remained high as Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for an attack targeting a US military base in Kuwait.
Iran described the strike as retaliation for recent US military operations against Iranian targets.
Officials continued assessing the reported incident as concerns grew that wider regional tensions could complicate efforts to secure a lasting Gaza ceasefire.
West Bank Violence Adds to Tensions
Violence also continued in the occupied West Bank.
Israeli forces and settlers reportedly clashed with Palestinians in several areas. Officials said at least 11 Palestinians, including four children, were injured during confrontations in Nablus.
Additional incidents were reported around Hebron and Ramallah, adding further pressure to the already fragile regional situation.
International Pressure for a Lasting Settlement
The Gaza peace deal has attracted significant international attention as governments and mediators push for an end to the fighting.
The proposed phased arrangement could provide a framework for reducing violence, addressing military withdrawals and eventually discussing longer-term political issues.
However, major disagreements remain between the parties, particularly over disarmament, Israeli military withdrawal and the implementation of each phase.
For now, mediators face the difficult task of turning the draft proposal into a fully implemented ceasefire while preventing continued violence in Gaza and further escalation elsewhere in the region.
