Hamas open to long truce but rules out disarming

A high-level Hamas delegation's proposal in Cairo to release all Israeli hostages in exchange for a five-year truce, along with calls by the Palestine Liberation Organization for a domestic dialogue of all parties, has renewed hope among Gazans struggling with food shortages — and for broader efforts to rebuild Palestinian statehood.

"The idea of a truce or its duration is not rejected by us, and we are ready to discuss it within the framework of negotiations," said Taher Al-Nono, media adviser to the Hamas leadership, in the first clear signal that the group was open to a longer-term truce. "We are open to any serious proposals to end the war."

He also ruled out a core Israeli demand that Hamas lay down its arms. "The weapon of resistance is not negotiable and will remain in our hands as long as the occupation exists," he said.