At least 60 days of ceasefire could be within reach in Gaza, as Hamas has reportedly accepted the framework of a U.S.-backed proposal to halt hostilities and begin talks on ending the war with Israel. The proposal, developed by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff alongside officials from Egypt and Qatar, involves a structured exchange of hostages and prisoners and aims to pave the way for a permanent cessation of fighting, according to officials cited by The Wall Street Journal.
President Donald Trump confirmed Friday that negotiations were moving forward. "My Representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza," Trump posted on Truth Social. "Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War."
The proposed agreement includes the return of 10 living hostages and the bodies of 18 others held by Hamas in exchange for a larger number of Palestinian prisoners detained in Israel. Humanitarian aid flows to Gaza would also increase significantly, facilitated by the United Nations and the Red Cross.
Hamas said Friday that it had given a "positive response" and was "seriously ready to enter immediately into a round of negotiations." The militant group is reportedly demanding guarantees that talks during the ceasefire period will lead to a permanent end to the conflict. "I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better - IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE," Trump wrote.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to visit Washington on Monday to meet with Trump and discuss the ceasefire framework. Although Israel has not publicly confirmed its acceptance of the terms, U.S. officials and Trump have suggested that Israeli leadership is onboard.
The Journal reported that the structure of the new deal mirrors earlier proposals presented months ago but rejected due to disputes over Israel's refusal to commit to ending the war outright. Hamas is now reportedly seeking a return of Israeli forces to positions held as of March 2 and has continued to call for "guarantees" from mediators, including Egypt, Qatar, and the United States.
On the ground, the situation in Gaza remains dire. Israeli forces escalated airstrikes on Gaza City this week, with the Israel Defense Forces announcing control over 65% of the territory. Senior Hamas commander Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa was reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike.
The war, which erupted following Hamas's Oct. 7, 2023 attack that killed more than 1,200 Israelis and dozens of Americans, has left more than 50,000 Palestinians dead, according to figures from the Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health. A previous ceasefire collapsed in January after negotiations stalled.
