Egypt Daily News – Sources have reported on Thursday that Israel has agreed to a 60-day truce, while Hamas stated that it is studying the proposal presented by U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff.
They said that the head of the Hamas delegation, Khalil al-Hayya, is meeting with mediators to convey the movement’s response. A Hamas source told AFP that the proposal does not meet the group’s demands. Sources added that “U.S. President Donald Trump will announce the details of the Gaza truce within hours.”
The sources clarified that the U.S. envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, was informed of Israel’s approval of the Gaza truce. Later, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt stated that Israel had agreed to the latest U.S. proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza.
She added that no response has been received from Hamas so far, noting that discussions are ongoing. The “potential” agreement between Hamas and Israel was obtained.
Israeli media reported on Thursday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed the families of the hostages that Israel had accepted the new Gaza ceasefire proposal presented by Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, Witkoff.
However, Netanyahu later said that their approval of the “Witkoff proposal” does not mean accepting an end to the war in Gaza.
Hamas previously stated that it had received the new proposal from mediators and was reviewing it.
Earlier, sources reported that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu was set to hold a meeting Thursday night with several ministers to discuss Witkoff’s plan. The sources added that Netanyahu would discuss the proposal with ministers including those of Foreign Affairs, Finance, and National Security.
The Witkoff document states that U.S. President Donald Trump is serious about ensuring all parties commit to the Gaza agreement and will announce it personally at a press conference. The document also states that the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar will guarantee the continuation of the ceasefire for 60 days and any possible extension. Trump’s special envoy will finalize the agreement details and lead the negotiations.
The document outlines a 60-day ceasefire, with President Trump guaranteeing Israel’s commitment. Hamas is to release 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 people on the first and seventh days, and humanitarian aid will be delivered to Gaza immediately after Hamas agrees to the ceasefire.
According to the document, all Israeli military activities will be documented from the beginning of the agreement. On the first day of the truce, negotiations for a permanent ceasefire will begin, and on the tenth day, Hamas will provide full information about the remaining hostages.
The document also states that aid will be distributed by the UN and the Red Crescent, and the handover of hostages will occur without public displays or ceremonies.
The White House is optimistic
Earlier in the day, sources reported that the U.S. envoy’s proposal includes the release of 10 hostages and the return of 18 bodies—half on the first day. It also includes a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza and the release of 125 Palestinian prisoners sentenced to life.
Three U.S. sources told “Axios” that the White House is optimistic the new proposal by the U.S. envoy to the Middle East could help bridge the remaining gaps between Israel and Hamas.
A U.S. source said that if both parties make concessions, an agreement could be reached within days.The White House announced it is hopeful that an agreement, though initially temporary, could eventually end the war.
For its part, Hamas previously agreed to the U.S. proposal for a 60-day ceasefire and the release of 5 living hostages on the first day and another 5 on the last day.
Commenting on the new proposal by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, Hamas said it includes a 60-day ceasefire that would continue as long as negotiations remain positive.
Hamas confirmed there are U.S. guarantees for continued negotiations throughout the 60 days to reach a permanent ceasefire.
Hamas added that the proposal also includes the withdrawal of Israeli forces to agreed-upon lines.
Hamas clarified that under the proposal it would release 10 living hostages and 18 bodies, 5 living and 9 bodies on the first day, the remainder on the seventh day. In return, 125 prisoners sentenced to life, 1,111 prisoners from Gaza after October 7, and 180 Palestinian bodies would be released.
Hamas said that humanitarian aid would be delivered during the truce through multiple mechanisms.
