Israel has agreed to a US ceasefire proposal for Gaza, according to the White House. Hamas is reviewing the plan, but its terms do not meet the group’s demands.
As a US-backed system for distributing food in the damaged area has expanded, Israeli media reports that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed the families of hostages being held in Gaza that Israel accepted a deal presented by US President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff. Netanyahu’s office did not confirm the reports, but White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that Israel has approved the proposal.
Leavitt did not provide details about the plan. However, a draft seen by Reuters on Friday proposed a 60-day ceasefire and the release of 28 Israeli hostages – alive and dead – in the first week, as well as the release of 125 Palestinian prisoners and the remains of 180 deceased Palestinians. The plan includes sending aid to Gaza once Hamas signs off on the ceasefire agreement, and Hamas will release the last 30 hostages once a permanent ceasefire is established.
Hamas is studying the proposal, according to senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri. However, he stated that the terms echo Israel’s position and do not include commitments to end the war, withdraw Israeli troops, or admit aid as Hamas has demanded.
Deep differences between Hamas and Israel have hindered previous attempts to restore a ceasefire. Israel demands that Hamas disarm completely and be dismantled as a military and governing force, while Hamas insists that Israel withdraw its troops and commit to ending the war. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US-backed private group, has expanded its aid distribution to a third site, though the operation faces criticism for being inadequate and flawed.
Witkoff announced that Washington is close to sending a new term sheet about a ceasefire to the conflicting parties. He expressed optimism about achieving a long-term resolution and peaceful settlement.
Israel has faced increasing international pressure to end the war and provide more aid to Gaza. European countries that typically hesitate to criticize Israel openly have called for a halt to the conflict and a substantial relief effort. The campaign in Gaza was launched in response to a devastating Hamas attack in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 individuals, according to Israeli accounts.
Gaza health officials estimate that the campaign has killed over 54,000 Palestinians and left the territory in ruins.
As a US-backed system for distributing food in the damaged area has expanded, Israeli media reports that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed the families of hostages being held in Gaza that Israel accepted a deal presented by US President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff. Netanyahu’s office did not confirm the reports, but White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that Israel has approved the proposal.
Leavitt did not provide details about the plan. However, a draft seen by Reuters on Friday proposed a 60-day ceasefire and the release of 28 Israeli hostages – alive and dead – in the first week, as well as the release of 125 Palestinian prisoners and the remains of 180 deceased Palestinians. The plan includes sending aid to Gaza once Hamas signs off on the ceasefire agreement, and Hamas will release the last 30 hostages once a permanent ceasefire is established.
Hamas is studying the proposal, according to senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri. However, he stated that the terms echo Israel’s position and do not include commitments to end the war, withdraw Israeli troops, or admit aid as Hamas has demanded.
Deep differences between Hamas and Israel have hindered previous attempts to restore a ceasefire. Israel demands that Hamas disarm completely and be dismantled as a military and governing force, while Hamas insists that Israel withdraw its troops and commit to ending the war. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US-backed private group, has expanded its aid distribution to a third site, though the operation faces criticism for being inadequate and flawed.
Witkoff announced that Washington is close to sending a new term sheet about a ceasefire to the conflicting parties. He expressed optimism about achieving a long-term resolution and peaceful settlement.
Israel has faced increasing international pressure to end the war and provide more aid to Gaza. European countries that typically hesitate to criticize Israel openly have called for a halt to the conflict and a substantial relief effort. The campaign in Gaza was launched in response to a devastating Hamas attack in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 individuals, according to Israeli accounts.
Gaza health officials estimate that the campaign has killed over 54,000 Palestinians and left the territory in ruins.
