Hamas seeks ceasefire, hostage exchange as Gaza crisis deepens

Hamas has expressed readiness for a comprehensive ceasefire agreement with Israel, proposing the release of all hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and a five-year truce. Delegations from Hamas recently held talks with Egyptian mediators in Cairo to discuss the terms of a ceasefire, reconstruction of Gaza, and the urgent need for humanitarian aid as shortages worsen. Hamas maintains that any agreement must include a complete Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza and substantial humanitarian relief. Previous ceasefire efforts have collapsed, with Israel insisting on Hamas disarmament as a condition for ending the war, a demand Hamas rejects. Mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the US continue, but negotiations remain at an impasse. Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, with the UN warning of critical shortages of food and medicine.