Trump says Hamas to respond to truce proposal within 24 hours as group seeks guarantees

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that Hamas was expected to respond within 24 hours to a truce proposal aimed at halting the war in Gaza. A source close to the group said Hamas is seeking firm guarantees that a temporary ceasefire would lead to a full and lasting end to the war.

Speaking ahead of a planned meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu next Monday, Trump told reporters he wanted "safety" for Palestinians in Gaza.

When asked whether he still supported the idea of the US taking control of Gaza, as he previously suggested, Trump replied: "I want the people of Gaza to be safe… they’ve been through hell."

Hamas confirmed on Thursday that it was reviewing the terms of the proposed truce. Palestinian sources told Anadolu Agency that the group was moving forward with the deal, but has not yet made a final decision.

A source close to Hamas said the group is consulting with various Palestinian factions before issuing a formal response. The source added that Hamas wants clear commitments that any truce will lead to a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

Two Israeli officials said the final terms were still being negotiated.

According to a report by Saudi outlet Asharq News, Hamas officials have signalled readiness to pause armed operations, one of Israel’s key demands. The group has also reportedly expressed openness to the temporary exile of a symbolic number of its leaders in Gaza if this would help end the war.

Dozens killed in ongoing Israeli strikes

While negotiations continue, Israeli bombardment of Gaza has not let up. On Friday morning, at least 25 Palestinians were killed in airstrikes across al-Mawasi, Khan Younis, and near the Taiba Towers.

Footage shared online showed an Israeli strike hitting a home in the al-Shati refugee camp in northern Gaza, causing widespread damage.

Gaza's municipality warned that basic services are collapsing due to fuel shortages caused by Israel's blockade on humanitarian aid.

In a statement, it said: "The city is suffering a real, worsening, and dangerous disaster due to the displacement crisis and waste accumulation."

Officials issued an urgent appeal to international organisations and aid agencies to intervene and support vulnerable families, especially those facing malnutrition and unsanitary living conditions.

The United Nations has raised serious concerns over Israel’s repeated violations of international law and the UN Charter. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said such breaches undermine the very commitments that member states are meant to uphold.

Israel’s war on Gaza has killed more than 61,700 Palestinians since 7 October 2023 and plunged the territory into a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Amnesty International has classified the assault as genocide.