Hamas said on Friday that it had delivered its response to mediators on a U.S.-backed proposal for a Gaza ceasefire. The group said the plan would include the release of hostages and a full Israeli withdrawal from the territory.

The announcement came as pressure continued to build for an end to the war, which has caused severe civilian suffering in Gaza and left the fate of remaining hostages unresolved. Any agreement would still depend on the positions of Israel and the mediators involved in the talks.

The proposal remains politically difficult for both sides, with major gaps likely to remain over security guarantees, the sequence of implementation, and the terms of withdrawal. Officials have not yet confirmed whether the latest response will lead to a breakthrough.

For families on both sides, the stakes remain high: a ceasefire could open the door to hostage releases, aid access, and a pause in fighting, but only if negotiators can bridge the remaining disputes.