The White House confirmed on Thursday that Israel has agreed to a US-backed proposal for a temporary ceasefire with Hamas, potentially paving the way to halt the ongoing Gaza conflict and facilitate the release of hostages. This development follows mediation efforts led by US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff.
According to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, Israel has formally supported the plan, which envisages a troop withdrawal to prior positions and a temporary 60-day halt in hostilities. The proposal also includes provisions for a hostage exchange, where 10 living hostages and several bodies would be released in return for over 1,100 Palestinian prisoners, including some serving long sentences for deadly attacks. Importantly, the plan assures that Israel would not resume military operations after the hostages are secured.
Hamas has acknowledged receipt of the proposal and is reviewing it with the aim of providing relief to the Gaza population and achieving a permanent ceasefire. The group had previously indicated progress toward a general framework with the US envoy, which entails complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, augmented humanitarian aid, and the transfer of governance from Hamas to an independent Palestinian committee.
The conflict has resulted in devastating casualties: more than 54,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, have died since Israel resumed its military campaign in March, while Hamas’s initial attack on October 7 led to 1,200 Israeli deaths and 251 hostages taken.
The ceasefire proposal also includes the daily entry of hundreds of aid trucks into Gaza, addressing critical humanitarian needs under a blockade that has brought many residents close to famine.
Israeli Stance
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained that the conflict will continue until all hostages are freed and Hamas is dismantled or exiled. He has also emphasized Israel’s intention to retain long-term control over Gaza and encouraged voluntary emigration of a large portion of its population—a plan widely rejected by Palestinians and the international community amid concerns over international law violations.
Hamas Position
Hamas has stated it will release the remaining hostages only in exchange for the release of more Palestinian prisoners, a permanent ceasefire, and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The group is reportedly open to transferring control to a politically independent Palestinian committee for reconstruction efforts. Of the 58 hostages held by Hamas, only about a third are believed to be alive, with their safety increasingly precarious as the conflict drags on.
This tentative agreement could represent a critical turning point in the protracted conflict, offering a chance to alleviate civilian suffering and move toward a broader resolution.
