Israel has agreed to a new US-backed proposal for a temporary ceasefire with Hamas, the White House confirmed on Thursday, in what could mark a major step toward halting the devastating war in Gaza and securing the release of more hostages.White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that Israel has “backed and supported” the plan, which came after recent efforts by US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff.Witkoff had earlier expressed cautious optimism about mediating a breakthrough deal, which would pause hostilities and pave the way for the return of hostages captured.In a statement, Hamas said it had received the proposal and was “reviewing it responsibly to serve the interests of our people, provide them relief, and achieve a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.”Previously, Hamas had said it reached a “general framework” agreement with the US envoy, outlining steps toward a lasting ceasefire. The framework included a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, increased humanitarian aid, and a handover of governance from Hamas to a politically independent Palestinian committee.More than 54,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed since Israel resumed its military offensive in March, according to Gaza health officials. The October 7 attack by Hamas, which triggered the conflict, left 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 taken hostage.What does the new proposal offer?Although the full details of the proposal have not been made public, sources close to the negotiations say that the ceasefire would see Israeli troops pull back to earlier positions and allow for the release of 10 living hostages and several bodies in exchange for over 1,100 Palestinian prisoners, including those 100 serving long sentences on conviction of the deadly attacks. It also calls for a 60-day halt in fighting. Notably, the plan includes the assurance that Israel will not resume military operations once the hostages are freed.Hundreds of aid trucks would also be allowed into Gaza each day during the truce, a vital lifeline for a population suffering under a months-long blockade that has brought many to the brink of famine.What does Israel want?Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long maintained that the war will not end until all hostages are freed and Hamas is either dismantled or forced into exile. He also declared that Israel will retain long-term control over Gaza and promote what he describes as the voluntary emigration of a large portion of its population.However, plans to resettle Gaza’s population have been firmly rejected by Palestinians and much of the international community, with experts warning that such a move would likely breach international law.What does Hamas want?Hamas has made clear it will release the remaining hostages, its sole leverage, only in exchange for the release of more Palestinian prisoners, a permanent ceasefire, and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The group has also signalled its willingness to relinquish control to a politically independent Palestinian committee that would lead reconstruction efforts.Hamas is still holding 58 hostages, of which only a third are believed to be living. However, As the war lingers on, their lives continue to be in danger.
