Israel Approves Gaza Ceasefire Deal; Hamas Yet to Accept
Washington D.C. – A Us-brokered ceasefire proposal for Gaza has been approved by Israel and presented to hamas, White House Spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt confirmed Thursday. The Plan, Crafted wiht input from President Donald Trump and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, aims to halt hostilities and facilitate the release of hostages.
Ms.Leavitt Expressed hope for a ceasefire,stating,”We hope that a ceasefire in Gaza will take place so we can return all of the hostages home.” However,she acknowledged that Hamas had not yet accepted the proposal.
Key Terms of the Ceasefire Proposal
The Detailed Us Plan, reviewed by Reuters, outlines a 60-day ceasefire. It also includes the release of 28 living and deceased Israeli hostages within the first week, in exchange for 125 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and the remains of 180 deceased Palestinians.
Crucially, the plan is guaranteed by Mr. Trump, along with mediators from Egypt and qatar, and stipulates immediate aid delivery to Gaza upon Hamas’s agreement.
Hamas is expected to release the final 30 hostages once a permanent ceasefire is established. The Group confirmed it is currently reviewing the proposal and plans to respond imminently.
Netanyahu’s Office Responds to Media Reports
Earlier reports in Israeli media,including Channel 12,Kann,I24,and Haaretz,indicated that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu had informed hostage families of Israel’s acceptance of the new ceasefire proposal.
Though,mr. Netanyahu’s Office later refuted Channel 12’s reporting, labeling it a “propaganda channel.” The Statement stopped short of directly denying the acceptance of the proposal.
Hamas’s Stance and Previous Stalemates
A Palestinian Official involved in the mediation efforts clarified that discussions were ongoing and Hamas had not yet formally responded. Basim Naim, a Senior Hamas Official, indicated that the Israeli response to the Witkoff proposal did not fully meet their demands.
Previous ceasefire attempts have been unsuccessful due to significant disagreements between Hamas and Israel. Israel insists on Hamas’s complete disarmament and the return of all remaining hostages before ending the war, while Hamas demands a full Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza and a commitment to end the conflict.
The Backdrop of the Conflict
Israel initiated its military campaign in Gaza following the Hamas attack on Southern Israel on October 7th,2023,which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and the abduction of 251 Israelis,according to Israeli figures.
since then, the Israeli military actions have reportedly caused over 54,000 Palestinian fatalities, as stated by Gaza health officials, leaving the region devastated.
Ceasefire Proposal: Key Elements
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Ceasefire Duration | 60 Days (initial phase) |
| hostage release (Phase 1) | 28 Israeli hostages (alive/deceased) |
| Prisoner Release (Phase 1) | 125 Palestinian prisoners (life sentences) + remains of 180 deceased |
| Guarantors | Donald Trump, Egypt, Qatar |
| Final Hostage Release | 30 Hostages upon permanent ceasefire |
The Broader Context of Ceasefire Negotiations
Ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas are incredibly complex, frequently enough involving international mediators to bridge the considerable gaps in their demands.
Thes talks occur against a backdrop of intense conflict, making concessions difficult for both sides. The involvement of figures like President Trump and Special Envoy Witkoff highlights the high-stakes nature of these discussions.
Securing a lasting ceasefire requires addressing core issues such as the disarmament of Hamas, the release of all hostages, and long-term security arrangements for both Israelis and Palestinians. The Current Proposal represents a critical step, but its success hinges on both parties agreeing to its terms.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Gaza Ceasefire
- What is the main goal of the proposed Gaza Ceasefire? The main goal is to temporarily halt hostilities and facilitate the exchange of hostages for prisoners, aiming for a more permanent resolution.
- Who are the guarantors of the Gaza Ceasefire agreement? The agreement is guaranteed by Donald Trump, along with mediators from Egypt and Qatar.
- What are Israel’s main conditions for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza? Israel insists on the complete disarmament of Hamas and the return of all remaining hostages.
- How many Palestinian prisoners would be released under the initial Gaza Ceasefire? 125 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences would be released,along with the remains of 180 deceased Palestinians.
- What is Hamas’s response to the proposed Gaza Ceasefire so far? hamas has stated that it is reviewing the proposal but has not yet formally accepted it. A senior official indicated that the proposal does not fully meet their demands.
What do you think about this new Ceasefire proposal? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
