The leader of Hamas’s negotiating team, Khalil al-Hayya, claims the US and mediators have assured the party that the initial stage of a ceasefire deal signifies a “permanent end” to the war in Gaza.

Al-Hayya made her remarks on Thursday, only hours after Israel and Hamas signed the first section of the deal that US President Donald Trump had suggested.

“We have received assurances from the brotherly mediators and the US administration, who have confirmed that the war is completely over,” he said.

72 hours after the ceasefire starts, Hamas is anticipated to free the 20 hostages who are still alive.

Israel will also free 1,700 Palestinians detained since the war began on October 7, 2023, and 250 Palestinians serving lengthy sentences in Israeli jails, according to Al-Hayya.

However, Israel and Hamas are still at odds on a number of issues, including long-term governance of Gaza, that are addressed in the Trump administration’s 20-point plan.

Israel has not yet put the ceasefire into effect, despite discussions about it.

A residential block in the heart of Gaza City was reportedly the target of an Israeli bombardment around an hour ago.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration is scheduled to vote on the ceasefire proposal after Israel’s security council met earlier.

Trump said the captives are expected to be freed early next week after announcing the inked agreement.

He stated that in order to commemorate the occasion, he intends to visit the area.

However, Osama Hamdan, a top Hamas leader, stated in an interview with Qatar’s Al-Araby TV that a hostage release cannot occur until a “formal declaration” ending the conflict in Gaza is made.