Israel accepts Witkoff’s temporary ceasefire proposal for Gaza

Steve Witkoff’s ceasefire proposal notably lacks any guarantee of a permanent ceasefire, a key demand from Hamas.

The White House has confirmed that the Israeli government accepted the temporary ceasefire proposal presented by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt informed reporters, “Israel approved this proposal before it was conveyed to Hamas.”

On the same day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking with families of hostages held by Hamas, stated that Israel is prepared for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement in Gaza based on Witkoff’s latest proposal.

In a written statement concerning Witkoff’s ceasefire proposal, Hamas mentioned that the proposal is currently under examination “with a sense of responsibility” by the Movement’s relevant units. The statement further elaborated that their response aims to “protect the interests of the Palestinian people in Gaza, contribute to the delivery of humanitarian aid, and serve to achieve a permanent ceasefire.”

According to Reuters, the US proposal includes a 60-day ceasefire. Within the first week, 28 Israeli hostages (10 of whom are alive) would be released. Additionally, the proposal calls for the return of 125 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and the bodies of 180 deceased Palestinians.

The plan, reportedly guaranteed by US President Donald Trump and mediators Egypt and Qatar, also includes sending humanitarian aid to Gaza once Hamas approves the ceasefire agreement.

The plan further outlines that Hamas would release the remaining 30 hostages upon the establishment of a permanent ceasefire.

A senior Hamas official indicated to the BBC that the group would reject the proposal.

The official highlighted that the US proposal fails to meet fundamental demands, such as a definitive end to the war.

Hamas has previously expressed its readiness to release all hostages simultaneously, contingent upon achieving a permanent ceasefire. Moreover, Hamas stated its willingness to transfer control of Gaza to a temporary administration, an offer reportedly part of a $53 billion reconstruction plan supported by the Arab League.

Following a temporary ceasefire in January, Israel imposed a full blockade on Gaza on March 2 and unilaterally resumed its military operations two weeks later.

At least 3,822 Palestinians were killed in the new wave of Israeli attacks initiated in March. According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, since the conflict began on October 7, 2023, at least 53,977 Palestinians have been killed, with approximately 122,966 injured. Independent sources, however, suggest the actual death toll could be significantly higher.