Hamas Learns Gaza's Armistice Proposal Called "Final" By President Trump

JAKARTA - Palestinian militant group Hamas said on Wednesday it was studying what US President Donald Trump called a proposed "final" ceasefire of the conflict in the Gaza Strip, wanting Israel to withdraw, but on the other hand Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wanted Hamas removed.

President Trump on Tuesday hoped Hamas would accept a ceasefire proposal, after saying Israel agreed to the necessary requirements to resolve a 60-day ceasefire with Hamas, following a meeting between its representatives and Israeli officials.

In a statement, Hamas said it was studying a new ceasefire offer received from Egyptian and Qatar mediators.

However, they confirmed their goal of reaching an agreement that would ensure the end of Israel's war and withdrawal from Gaza, quoted from Reuters July 3.

On the other hand, PM Netanyahu called for the destruction of Hamas in his first public statement since President Trump's announcement.

"There will be no Hamas. There will be no 'Hamastan'. We're not going back there. It's over," PM Netanyahu said in a meeting.

The statements of both sides reiterated the position that has been held for a long time, without providing clues as to whether or how a compromise agreement could be reached.

"I hope this time it works, even if it only lasts two months, it will save thousands of innocent lives," said Kamal, a Gaza City resident, by telephone.

Others questioned whether President Trump's remarks would result in long-term peace.

"We hope he is as serious as he was serious during the Israel-Iran war when he said the war had to stop, and the war was stopped," said Adnan Al-Assar, a Khan Younis resident in southern Gaza.

It is known, there is growing public pressure on PM Netanyahu to reach a permanent ceasefire and end a war that has lasted nearly two years, a move opposed by hardline members of his right-wing ruling coalition.

Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Israel was "serious in our desire" to reach a hostage-taking and ceasefire agreement.

"There are some positive signs. I don't want to say more than that right now. But our goal is to start close talks as soon as possible," he said.

Of the 50 hostages detained by Hamas, about 20 people are believed to be alive.

Earlier, the Hamas group in late May said it was seeking amendments to the US-backed ceasefire proposal. Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, said this was "completely unacceptable."

The proposal involves a 60-day ceasefire and the release of half of the hostages detained by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and the bodies of other Palestinians; Hamas will release the remaining hostages as part of the deal that guarantees the end of the war.

A source close to Hamas said its leaders are expected to discuss the proposal and ask for clarification from the mediators before providing an official response.