Milan, July 2 (LaPresse) – Hamas has issued its first official statement regarding the proposed 60-day truce, stating that it has received a proposal from mediators and is in talks with them to “bridge the gaps” and return to the negotiating table in an effort to reach a ceasefire agreement.
"The mediator brothers are making vigorous efforts to bridge the gaps between the parties and reach a framework agreement that will allow the launch of a serious round of negotiations," the statement reads. "We are approaching the situation with great responsibility and are holding national consultations and discussing the proposals that have been forwarded to us with the aim of reaching an agreement that ensures an end to the aggression, the withdrawal of forces, and the provision of emergency humanitarian aid to our people in the Gaza Strip."
Hamas also added that it is willing to release the remaining 50 hostages, fewer than half of whom are believed to still be alive, in exchange for a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and an end to the war.