Israel has accepted a new U.S. proposal for a temporary ceasefire with Hamas, Israeli and American officials confirmed Thursday, marking the clearest sign of progress in months of stalled negotiations over hostages and a broader halt to the war in Gaza.
The proposal, submitted by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump, outlines a 60-day pause in hostilities in exchange for the release of 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 others, an Israeli official told CNN. Hamas confirmed it is "reviewing the new Witkoff proposal" and is "responsibly studying it in a way that serves the interests of our people, provides relief, and achieves a permanent ceasefire."
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated Thursday that "special envoy Witkoff and the President submitted a ceasefire proposal to Hamas that Israel backed and supported," adding, "We hope that a cease fire in Gaza will take place so we can return all of the hostages home and that's been a priority for this administration from the beginning."
Despite the Israeli government's official acceptance, political opposition has emerged. Finance Minister Bezalal Smotrich, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's far-right coalition, called the plan "sheer madness," saying he "will not allow such a thing to happen. Period." In contrast, opposition leader Yair Lapid urged Netanyahu to "publicly and immediately" accept the agreement and pledged support even if far-right partners bolt.
While the Israeli official provided few details about a permanent ceasefire, Hamas continues to demand a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, a permanent cessation of hostilities, and the transfer of governance to a politically independent Palestinian committee.
According to a Hamas official and an Egyptian mediator who spoke anonymously, the Witkoff proposal includes:
- A 60-day ceasefire
- Release of 10 living hostages and several bodies
- Exchange for over 1,100 Palestinian prisoners, including 100 convicted in deadly attacks
- Daily humanitarian aid shipments into Gaza
- Israeli military withdrawal to positions held before the March ceasefire collapsed
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains severe. A near-total blockade since March has plunged the territory into famine, with hundreds of thousands displaced and critical infrastructure decimated. The Gaza Health Ministry reports more than 54,000 Palestinians killed, though the civilian-combatant breakdown remains unclear.
The negotiations follow Hamas's October 7 attack, in which 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed and 251 hostages taken. Israel has since retrieved eight hostages and dozens of bodies; roughly half were released in previous deals.
Hamas is reportedly holding 58 hostages. Officials fear time is running out for the remaining captives. Hamas, meanwhile, appears reluctant to release its last major bargaining chip without securing guarantees against renewed military aggression.
The U.S.-backed talks have dragged on for over a year, mediated by Egypt and Qatar. While Witkoff has not met directly with Hamas, Palestinian-American intermediary Bishara Bahbah has served as a go-between. Bahbah, who led Arab Americans for Trump in 2024, reportedly met Hamas officials in Doha to present the plan.
Netanyahu's government remains under pressure both internally and internationally. His refusal to commit to a full withdrawal and political instability among coalition partners have complicated the path to peace. Critics argue his political survival hinges on continuing the war, as ending it could trigger investigations into October 7 intelligence failures and corruption charges.
