Tel Aviv: In a pivotal step toward ending the prolonged and devastating conflict in Gaza, Israel has formally endorsed a new ceasefire proposal backed by the United States. The White House confirmed on Friday that Israel had "signed off" on the terms of the agreement, which was crafted after weeks of diplomatic efforts led by U.S. officials aiming to de-escalate tensions and deliver urgent humanitarian aid.
The proposed deal lays out a 60-day ceasefire period, during which hostilities would pause to allow for a multi-phase exchange of hostages and prisoners, and critical humanitarian supplies would reach civilians trapped in the crossfire. According to sources familiar with the details, the plan envisions the release of 28 Israeli hostages—some confirmed alive and others believed to be deceased—in return for 1,236 Palestinian prisoners. Additionally, the remains of 180 Palestinians would be handed over as part of the broader reconciliation framework.
Despite Israel’s approval, the deal's fate now hinges on Hamas, which has yet to give a formal response. Senior Hamas officials are reportedly scrutinizing the proposal, voicing concerns that it falls short of addressing core demands, including a complete cessation of hostilities and the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip.
The humanitarian toll of the conflict has reached staggering levels, with estimates suggesting that more than 54,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war’s eruption in October 2023. The Gaza Strip remains in ruins, and international agencies continue to sound the alarm over widespread displacement, food insecurity, and the collapse of essential infrastructure.
The United States has positioned the ceasefire initiative as a vital opening to longer-term peace talks, but analysts caution that without mutual guarantees and concessions, the agreement may struggle to hold. The international community is watching closely, urging both sides to embrace the proposal in hopes of ending one of the most brutal chapters in the region’s recent history. Whether this ceasefire becomes a turning point or yet another missed opportunity will depend on the response from Hamas in the coming hours or days.