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Hamas Signals Readiness for Gaza Ceasefire as U.S.-Backed Peace Push Gains Momentum
Hopes for a long-awaited ceasefire in Gaza surged on Friday after Hamas announced it had submitted a “positive response” to a U.S.-backed proposal for a 60-day truce with Israel, potentially paving the way to end months of conflict and devastating humanitarian suffering.
In a statement released Friday, Hamas confirmed its willingness to enter negotiations “immediately” to discuss the implementation of the ceasefire framework. The proposal had already been accepted by Israel earlier this week, meaning both sides are now expected to enter intensive proximity talks — indirect negotiations facilitated by mediators, possibly in Doha or Cairo — to finalize details.
“We are now much closer to ending this cursed war,” wrote Palestinian-American mediator Bishara Bahbah in a social media post. He added that while Hamas had submitted amendments, they were unlikely to derail the agreement.
U.S. President Donald Trump, whose administration helped broker the deal alongside Qatari and Egyptian officials, expressed optimism on Friday that a ceasefire could be finalized within days. “We have to do something about Gaza,” Trump said. “We have to get it over with.”
Under the terms of the draft agreement, Hamas would begin by releasing eight living hostages on the first day of the ceasefire in exchange for an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners. The truce would also see Israel withdraw from parts of northern Gaza and allow a major increase in humanitarian aid through traditional channels — avoiding the controversial Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
The deal would see the release of 10 living Israeli hostages and 18 deceased over the 60-day period, and negotiations toward a permanent truce would take place concurrently. Notably, any celebrations or public ceremonies by Hamas during hostage releases are prohibited under the terms.
Sources familiar with the negotiations said the current version of the deal addresses a key Hamas demand — that the truce lead to a lasting ceasefire. U.S. officials have reportedly provided stronger assurances that, even if no final agreement is reached within the 60 days, the ceasefire could continue.
Pressure to secure a deal has mounted following last month’s 12-day confrontation between Israel and Iran, which shifted diplomatic priorities in the region. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, long resistant to a ceasefire without fully dismantling Hamas, has shown new flexibility. He is set to travel to Washington to meet Trump on Monday, and will convene his cabinet Saturday night to review the proposal.
While far-right elements in Netanyahu’s coalition have voiced opposition, other parties have indicated they would support the deal, suggesting a rare moment of political consensus could emerge to end the war.
The conflict has left more than 57,000 Palestinians dead, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, and intensified global calls for a negotiated end.
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Investigation Underway After Goa Nightclub Fire Kills at Least 25
Authorities in the Indian state of Goa have opened an investigation into a nightclub fire that killed at least 25 people, including several tourists, in one of the region’s most popular party districts. Six others were injured in the blaze, which broke out shortly after midnight in Arpora, a nightlife hub about 25 kilometres from the state capital, Panaji.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the death toll in a statement posted on X, saying the victims included many of the club’s kitchen staff and a small number of visiting tourists. He added that all the injured were in stable condition and receiving medical treatment. Rescue teams recovered all bodies from the site.
Early reports from local police, cited by the Press Trust of India, indicated that a gas cylinder explosion triggered the fire. Witnesses, however, told the agency that the blaze appeared to start on the club’s first floor, where nearly 100 tourists were dancing at the time. As smoke and flames swept through the building, many people ran toward the lower floor, where they became trapped along with staff members.
Sawant said a formal inquiry would determine the exact cause and whether the club complied with fire safety regulations. He pledged strict action against anyone found responsible, writing on X that any negligence uncovered by investigators would be “dealt with firmly”.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as patrons attempted to flee the burning building. “We rushed out of the club only to see that the entire structure was up in flames,” said Fatima Shaikh, who was inside when the fire began.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences in a message on X, calling the incident “deeply saddening” and wishing the injured a swift recovery.
Local media reported that the club’s location along the Arpora River backwaters posed challenges for emergency crews. A narrow approach road forced fire engines to park about 400 metres from the entrance, slowing their response. Reports also revealed that the building had previously received a demolition notice after officials found it lacked a construction permit. That order was later withdrawn by senior state authorities, according to Arpora councillor Roshan Redkar.
Incidents involving gas cylinders and electrical faults are not unusual in India and often lead to heavy casualties, prompting renewed calls for stronger enforcement of safety standards. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the tragedy as a “criminal failure of safety and governance” and urged a transparent investigation to establish accountability and prevent future disasters.
The probe into the fire is expected to assess structural safety, emergency exits and compliance with existing regulations as authorities work to piece together how the late-night gathering turned into one of the deadliest incidents in the state in recent years.
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