Hamas has submitted a response to a US-backed ceasefire proposal in Gaza, seeking amendments to the deal. The group’s response, confirmed by the foreign ministries of Qatar and Egypt, includes terms related to a ceasefire, withdrawal, reconstruction, and prisoner exchange. The US, along with Qatari and Egyptian mediators, is evaluating Hamas’s amendments.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been working in the region to push for the ceasefire, marking his eighth visit since the October 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel. President Joe Biden laid out a “three-phase” proposal last Friday, aiming for permanent ceasefire negotiations and an exchange of hostages and prisoners. However, an Israeli official described Hamas’s response as a rejection of the proposal, creating uncertainty around the talks.

Hamas, in a joint statement with Palestinian Islamic Jihad allies, emphasized the importance of ceasing the ongoing aggression and showed willingness to work towards an agreement. The conflict, which has lasted eight months, remains under mediation.