Fake statement: Hamas’s announcement of acceptance of the ceasefire proposal 

A statement attributed to Khalil al-Hayya, head of the Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip, has been circulating on social media, regarding the announcement of Hamas’s approval of the latest proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The statement read: “An official statement issued by the Hamas movement: 

Amidst the relentless efforts and ongoing negotiations, Hamas Political Bureau member Dr. Khalil al-Hayya announced the movement’s approval of the latest proposal presented by the mediators, which includes a comprehensive ceasefire and mutual guarantees regarding post-war arrangements. Al-Hayya emphasized that Hamas dealt with the proposal with great national responsibility, placing the interests of our people and their right to a dignified life above all other considerations. He pointed out that the approval came after introducing substantive amendments that meet the minimum demands of the Palestinian people and guarantee a complete withdrawal and cessation of aggression. Based on this approval, a comprehensive truce agreement was announced, including a complete ceasefire, the consolidation of calm on the ground, and the immediate commencement of phased implementation of the agreement’s provisions. This agreement represents an important step toward ending the war that has exhausted everyone and the beginning of a new path toward reconstruction and stability, with international and Arab efforts that are to be commended for their effective role. 

Kashif verified the information and found the statement to be fabricated. It searched Hamas’s official websites and found no such statement posted on any of its websites as of Thursday evening, 3 July 2025. Hamas has not yet submitted its response to the mediators, either positively or negatively. 

On 4 July 2025, the Hamas-affiliated Tabayyun platform denied the authenticity of the statement attributed to the head of Hamas in the Gaza Strip and head of the negotiating delegation, Dr. Khalil Al-Hayya, via Telegram, asserting that the statement was forged.

Hamas stresses that the movement’s official website is the sole and authoritative reference for publishing its official statements and declarations. The movement urges all media outlets and social media users to verify the accuracy of their information and refrain from being swayed by rumors or contributing to the dissemination of targeted and fake news.

The latest statement issued by Hamas on 3 July 2025, on Telegram, stated that the movement, headed by Muhammad Darwish, Chairman of the Shura Council and the Leadership Council, held a series of important meetings with the Turkish leadership in the capital, Ankara. The movement stated that the meeting addressed “developments in the Israeli occupation’s aggression against the Gaza Strip, international efforts to stop the genocide and lift the siege, as well as ways to strengthen regional and international action to stop this unjust war and provide urgent humanitarian support to our besieged people.” 

On 2 July 2025,  US President Donald Trump announced a new ceasefire initiative between the Israeli occupation and Hamas. The initiative includes a temporary truce for 60 days, a partial withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from the Gaza Strip, and the delivery of humanitarian aid under the supervision of the United Nations and the Red Crescent. The initiative also includes the gradual release of ten living Israeli prisoners and 18 bodies, in exchange for launching negotiations aimed at reaching a permanent agreement regulating the security and political situation in Gaza after the war. 

Trump indicated that the Israeli government had approved the proposal. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not officially confirm his approval. Hamas announced that it was studying the initiative and had not officially submitted its response until Thursday evening, 3 July 2025 .