CAIRO — Hamas announced Friday it has accepted a US-brokered Gaza ceasefire proposal “in a positive spirit” and is ready to negotiate its implementation, including a hostage release and steps to end the conflict.

US President Donald Trump unveiled the 60-day ceasefire plan earlier this week, saying Israel had already agreed to the necessary conditions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to publicly respond, though Israeli officials are reviewing Hamas’ reply.

An Egyptian mediator described Hamas’ response as showing “positive signs” but noted some demands still need to be resolved. Trump said he expects progress next week when he meets Netanyahu in Washington, urging a speedy deal to free hostages.

Hamas, holding about 20 hostages, remains opposed to disarmament — a key Israeli demand. The ceasefire plan reportedly includes the release of 10 living hostages and the bodies of 18 others over the 60 days.

On the ground, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 138 Palestinians in the past 24 hours, including 15 at a tent camp in Khan Younis, Gaza officials said. Israel claimed its forces struck Hamas targets and eliminated militants.

In Tel Aviv, families of hostages staged a protest outside the US Embassy, urging Trump to secure a deal. “Only you can make the deal,” said one demonstrator, invoking Trump’s social media post calling for a hostage agreement.

Since Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel killed 1,200 and led to 251 hostages being taken, Israel’s retaliatory campaign has devastated Gaza. Local health authorities report over 57,000 Palestinians killed, mostly civilians, in nearly two years of fighting.