Report: Hamas Expected to Reply to Hostage Deal Within 24 Hours After Israel Approves Proposal

With Israel officially backing a Qatari-mediated proposal based on the Witkoff framework, now slightly modified, attention is shifting to the Hamas terror group, which is expected to deliver its response within the next day, according to sources familiar with the matter who spoke with the Jerusalem Post.

“For the first time, there is real optimism that Hamas will say ‘yes,’” two individuals involved in the negotiations told the Post. An Israeli official confirmed the increasing expectation that Hamas may accept the deal, adding, “Qatar is applying immense pressure on the group.”

In a message posted Wednesday morning on Truth Social, US President Donald Trump issued a warning to Hamas: “I hope, for the sake of the Middle East, that Hamas takes the deal—because if not, things will only get worse for them, not better.”

According to the Saudi news outlet Asharq, which cites a well-informed source, Hamas is reportedly content with the ceasefire proposal’s guarantees aimed at ending the Gaza war.

The report states that the deal includes commitments from mediators ensuring that neither side will resume hostilities while negotiations are in progress.

However, a separate source familiar with Hamas’s position told the outlet that the latest proposal does not differ significantly from the version previously put forward by US envoy Steve Witkoff, containing only minor adjustments.

Channel 12 reports that Hamas is expected to insist on the release of “heavy” prisoners,high-profile terrorists whom Israel has previously declined to free.

The current offer being discussed calls for the release of 10 Israeli hostages, eight on the first day, and two more on the 50th day. In addition, Hamas would return the bodies of 18 Israeli hostages who were murdered. In exchange, a 60-day ceasefire would be implemented, during which negotiations over a permanent resolution would begin, with both sides expected to present their demands.

Israel’s green light followed a key meeting between Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff. According to several sources who spoke with the Post, Israel has agreed to continue negotiations for ending the conflict beyond the proposed two-month truce, under specific conditions.

Discussions are still underway about whether and how the IDF would withdraw from parts of Gaza during the ceasefire. Two sources indicated that no final decisions have been made regarding the scale of such a pullout or what Israel’s military posture would look like after the initial pause.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar addressed the issue on Wednesday, stating, “We are serious about reaching a hostage deal and a ceasefire. We have accepted the proposals of special envoy Witkoff. There are positive signs of a breakthrough. Our goal is to begin proximity talks as soon as possible.”

Meanwhile, as part of the ongoing negotiations, Hamas has agreed not to hold public ceremonies when releasing captives, according to an Israeli defense official and a Palestinian source familiar with the terror group, as reported by the New York Times.