Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on May 29, 2025, that Israel has accepted a new ceasefire proposal put forward by Steve Witkoff, the Middle East envoy of former U.S. President Donald Trump. Netanyahu communicated this development to families of hostages held in Gaza, according to reports from Israeli media cited by Reuters.
The Palestinian militant group Hamas confirmed it has received the ceasefire proposal through mediators and is carefully reviewing its terms. In an official statement, Hamas emphasized the responsibility with which it is evaluating the plan to ensure it aligns with the interests of the Palestinian people, provides necessary relief, and establishes a permanent ceasefire within the Gaza Strip.
The proposed agreement reportedly features the release of 10 living hostages held in Gaza, alongside the return of the remains of 18 deceased captives. In exchange, the proposal calls for a 60-day ceasefire period. Furthermore, it suggests that the United Nations resume delivering humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza.
However, the proposal does not include an explicit Israeli commitment to end the wider conflict. Mediators continue to work toward an agreement that could alleviate hostilities and address humanitarian concerns in the region.
