Israel has reportedly agreed to a US-backed ceasefire proposal for Gaza. The White House confirmed Israel's agreement. Hamas stated they are reviewing the plan, but its terms may not meet their demands.
Israeli media reports indicate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed hostage families that Israel accepted the deal. The deal was presented by US President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated Israel had signed off on the proposal. A draft seen by Reuters proposes a 60-day ceasefire. It also includes the release of 28 Israeli hostages in the first week.
The draft also mentions the release of 125 Palestinian prisoners sentenced to life. Additionally, the remains of 180 dead Palestinians would be released. The plan is guaranteed by Trump, Egypt, and Qatar.
Aid will be sent to Gaza as soon as Hamas signs off on the ceasefire. Hamas is expected to release the last 30 hostages once a permanent ceasefire is in place. Hamas is currently studying the proposal.
Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri said the terms echo Israel's position. He noted the absence of commitments to end the war or withdraw Israeli troops. Hamas also wants aid to be admitted.
Deep differences between Hamas and Israel have hindered previous ceasefire attempts. Israel insists Hamas disarm completely and return all hostages. Hamas rejects disarming and demands Israeli troop withdrawal.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has expanded its aid distribution. The GHF is a private group backed by the US and endorsed by Israel. The UN has criticized the operation as inadequate.
The UN states two million people are at risk of famine after Israel's blockade. The aid launch was marred by violence. Israeli troops opened fire on a crowd, killing at least one civilian.
GHF says it has supplied about 1.8 million meals. Witkoff said Washington was close to "sending out a new term sheet." This term sheet concerns a ceasefire to both sides in the conflict.
Witkoff expressed optimism about achieving a long-term resolution. Israel has faced increasing international pressure to end the war. Many European countries are demanding a major relief effort.
Israel launched its campaign in Gaza after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. The attack killed 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage. The campaign has killed over 54,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials.