Gaza: Hamas has accepted a ceasefire proposal put forward by US special envoy Steve Witkoff, according to a Palestinian source familiar with the group’s position, Reuters reported on Monday. The move could mark a significant step toward halting the ongoing conflict with Israel.
The plan, relayed to Hamas via mediators, outlines a 70-day truce and the release of ten Israeli hostages in two phases. In exchange, Israel would free a number of Palestinian detainees, including several serving long-term sentences. The agreement also involves a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
Israel, however, has denied it. An Israeli official dismissed the latest proposal, telling the media, “The proposal received by Israel cannot be accepted by any responsible government,” without providing further specifics, Times of Israel reported.
The official further said, “Hamas is setting impossible conditions that mean a complete failure to meet the war goals, and an inability to release the hostages.”
Meanwhile, the main group representing the families of hostages also opposed the reported agreement, arguing that it would not ensure the return of all captives or bring a definitive end to the conflict. Several reports indicated that a new ceasefire arrangement was being considered, resembling earlier deals where hostilities in Gaza would pause temporarily, allowing for the release of Israeli hostages and the delivery of increased humanitarian aid to the territory.
On March 18, Israel ended a ceasefire that had been in place since January and restarted its military operations in Gaza. Two days later, Hamas and its allies responded by firing rockets and launching new attacks.
Hamas has said it is ready to release all the remaining hostages taken during its October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel, but only if Israel agrees to a permanent ceasefire and completely withdraws from Gaza.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear that Israel will only accept a temporary truce in exchange for the release of hostages. He has insisted the war will continue until Hamas is fully defeated.
Israel began its assault on Gaza after the October 7 attack by Hamas fighters, which left 1,200 people dead and 251 taken hostage, according to Israeli figures.
Since then, nearly 54,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to health officials in Gaza. The region has suffered massive destruction, and aid groups report widespread malnutrition among the population.
