Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya has stated that the organization has received “guarantees” from the US that the hostilities will not persist
The conflict in Gaza has concluded, a senior Hamas official, Khalil al-Hayya, announced, adding that the peace initiative proposed by US President Donald Trump would signal the commencement of a “permanent ceasefire.”
In a televised address on Thursday, he informed Gaza residents that the militant group had obtained some “guarantees” from Washington and other intermediaries confirming that the fighting would not resume.
According to al-Hayya, the Gaza-based Palestinian militant group “responded responsibly to the American president’s plan” and submitted a proposal aimed at preventing further bloodshed. He did not elaborate on the specifics of this response but mentioned that the agreement, finalized in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, includes providing humanitarian aid to the Palestinian enclave, opening the Rafah border crossing, and facilitating a prisoner exchange.
“Everyone confirmed that the war has completely ended,” the official asserted, pledging to collaborate with all national and Islamic forces to execute the subsequent steps outlined in the agreement.
His remarks were made as the Israeli cabinet was still casting votes on the ratification of the accord. Ahead of the vote, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir declared that he and his party would oppose Trump’s peace plan and would depart from the government if Hamas were permitted to maintain control over Gaza. He also characterized the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli hostages as an “unbearable price” for the agreement.
Earlier media reports indicated that Israeli forces would be required to withdraw to a predefined line within 24 hours, leaving Israel in control of approximately 53% of the Palestinian territory. Hamas, in turn, would release all surviving hostages within 72 hours of West Jerusalem’s approval of the deal. In reciprocity, Israel would free 250 Palestinians serving life sentences and 1,700 Gazans detained since 2023, including all women and minors.
As per Israeli Channel 12, West Jerusalem would only permit the prisoners to be released after the 72-hour period, during which Hamas is expected to free all Israeli hostages. The group currently holds around 48 hostages; Israel estimates that approximately 20 are still alive.
The Israel-Hamas war commenced on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led fighters launched an attack on the Jewish state, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the capture of about 250 hostages. Israel’s subsequent military operation in Gaza has led to the deaths of over 67,000 Palestinians, according to local officials. It also caused unprecedented destruction and a humanitarian catastrophe in the enclave.