- By Shivangi Sharma
- Thu, 29 May 2025 11:54 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The White House on Thursday confirmed that Israel has accepted a new US-brokered proposal for a temporary ceasefire with Hamas. According to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, the plan was submitted by President Donald Trump and special envoy Steve Witkoff and has received full support from the Israeli government. Negotiations remain in flux, as Hamas has yet to respond to the terms of the proposed agreement. Talks are ongoing, and hopes remain high for a breakthrough that could bring temporary relief to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Earlier today, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that his government has accepted a new US-backed proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza and a prisoner exchange with Hamas. The plan, crafted by US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff, outlines a temporary truce and a phased exchange of hostages and prisoners.
“Israel accepts the new Witkoff outline,” Netanyahu stated during a meeting with families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, according to an official statement from his office.
Full details of Witkoff's proposal have not been made public, but both a Hamas official and an Egyptian official have independently confirmed key elements of it to the Associated Press. The proposed agreement reportedly calls for Israeli forces to withdraw to positions they held during the previous ceasefire, while Hamas is to release 10 living Israeli hostages and the bodies of 18 deceased captives over a 60-day pause. In return, Israel will release over 1,100 Palestinian prisoners, including 125 individuals serving life sentences for deadly attacks, and repatriate more than 180 bodies of Gaza residents in two stages.
The phased release of hostages is set to begin immediately once the deal comes into effect. On Day 1, Hamas will release five living hostages along with the bodies of nine deceased captives. This will be followed by another round on Day 7, during which an additional five hostages and the bodies of nine more deceased individuals will be handed over. Finally, on Day 10, Hamas is expected to provide a detailed report on the medical conditions of the remaining captives still held in Gaza.
Hamas Reaction And Concerns
Hamas confirmed it has received the proposal through mediators and is currently reviewing the terms. Sources close to the group told Israeli media outlet Walla that Hamas views the proposal as heavily biased in favour of Israel. They claim the US accepted most demands made by Israeli Minister Ron Dermer during a recent meeting with Envoy Witkoff.
Concerns raised by Hamas include the lack of a firm US guarantee that the 60-day ceasefire will lead to a permanent truce. The proposal also fails to ensure that, if negotiations continue beyond 60 days, Israel will be restrained from resuming military operations. Hamas reportedly feels misled by the US administration and believes the plan strips it of future negotiating leverage by requiring all hostages to be returned within one week.
US envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism about the plan. “I have some very good feelings about getting to a long-term resolution, a temporary ceasefire and a peaceful end to the conflict,” Witkoff said in Washington on Wednesday.