The United States confirmed on Thursday that Israel has accepted a proposed 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, amid continued hostilities in the region. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced during a briefing that the proposal, put forward by U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and endorsed by President Donald Trump, has received Israeli approval and has now been formally submitted to Hamas through mediators.
“Israel signed off on this proposal before it was sent to Hamas,” Leavitt said. “I can also confirm that those discussions are continuing, and we hope that a ceasefire in Gaza will take place so we can return all of the hostages home.” She declined to offer further details, citing the sensitive nature of the ongoing negotiations.
According to CBS News, the proposal not only includes a 60-day cessation of hostilities but also outlines the release of 10 living hostages and the return of the remains of 18 individuals held by Hamas. The deal is part of a broader push by Washington to de-escalate the conflict and facilitate humanitarian relief efforts in the war-ravaged Gaza Strip.
In response, Hamas confirmed on Thursday that it had received the proposal and was carefully reviewing its terms. “The Hamas leadership has received Witkoff’s new proposal from the mediators and is responsibly studying it in a way that serves the interests of our people, provides relief, and achieves a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip,” read a brief statement from the group.
The development marks a significant moment in the months-long conflict, which has drawn international condemnation over rising civilian casualties and humanitarian suffering. It also signals renewed U.S. diplomatic engagement in the region as efforts intensify to secure the release of hostages and halt the violence.
While hopes for a breakthrough remain tentative, the proposal offers a potential path to a temporary truce and further negotiations for a lasting peace agreement. Observers will now be watching closely for Hamas’ official response and any progress toward implementing the ceasefire.
