The White House has confirmed that Israel has accepted a new US-brokered ceasefire proposal aimed at halting the ongoing war in Gaza. White House Press Secretary Carolyn Leavitt announced that the Israeli government has agreed to the framework, which includes a 60-day temporary ceasefire with Hamas. However, Hamas has yet to issue a definitive response, though initial signals suggest the group is open to the deal.
The American proposal outlines several key measures: a two-month truce, the release of Israeli hostages and the bodies of the deceased, the liberation of over 1,100 Palestinian prisoners, and the resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza via hundreds of aid trucks. Additionally, Israeli military forces would retreat to the positions they held during a previous truce agreement.
Despite agreeing to the temporary ceasefire, Hamas is reportedly pressing for broader demands, including a permanent ceasefire, a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the handover of administrative control of Gaza to an independent Palestinian authority. Hamas has indicated willingness to release 58 Israeli hostages if these conditions are met, along with guarantees for Gaza’s reconstruction.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, has reiterated that Israel will not agree to a total ceasefire or full withdrawal from Gaza until Hamas is completely dismantled and all hostages are returned. He also reaffirmed Israel’s aim to maintain indefinite control over the Gaza Strip for security reasons.
The situation remains tense as international attention is focused on whether Hamas will formally accept the US-mediated plan, which could potentially mark a turning point in the prolonged conflict.
