NEW DELHI: Hamas is demanding firm guarantees that a new US-backed ceasefire proposal will ultimately lead to a permanent end to the war in Gaza, media reports said. The push comes amid continued Israeli airstrikes that killed at least 59 people across the enclave, according to medai reports.

Despite the ongoing violence, Israeli officials expressed optimism about reaching a ceasefire and hostage release agreement, nearly 21 months after the war between Israel and Hamas began.

Momentum for a truce has grown following the US-brokered ceasefire that ended a 12-day flare-up between Israel and Iran. However, Israeli bombardments in Gaza showed no signs of slowing, highlighting the fragility of the current efforts.

US President Donald Trump announced that Israel had accepted terms for a 60-day ceasefire with Hamas, during which both sides would negotiate a broader end to hostilities. But a source close to Hamas said the group wants explicit assurances that the ceasefire will culminate in a complete end to the war. Two Israeli officials confirmed that the final details of such guarantees were still under negotiation.

Ending the war remains the core issue in repeated, stalled peace efforts. Egyptian security sources said Cairo and Qatari mediators are working to secure U.S. and international commitments that talks toward ending the conflict would continue throughout the proposed truce — a key condition for Hamas to come on board.

A separate source familiar with the negotiations said Israel expects Hamas to deliver its response by Friday. Should it be positive, an Israeli delegation is prepared to join indirect talks to finalize the deal.

The proposal reportedly involves the phased release of 10 living Israeli hostages, along with the return of the bodies of 18 others, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. Of the 50 hostages still believed to be in Gaza, 20 are thought to be alive.

A senior Israeli official close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is ready to approve the agreement. Netanyahu is expected to travel to Washington on Monday for talks with President Trump.