DaysofPal — Hamas has agreed to a new ceasefire proposal brokered by the United States, a potential breakthrough that could bring an end to the war in Gaza, sources familiar with the negotiations told Al Jazeera and Reuters on Monday.
The deal, proposed by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and relayed to Hamas through mediators, outlines a 70-day truce and the release of 10 Israeli hostages held in Gaza.
In exchange, Israel would free several Palestinian prisoners, including individuals serving lengthy sentences, and implement a partial withdrawal of its forces from parts of the besieged territory.
According to officials close to the talks, the hostages would be released in two phases — five at the beginning of the ceasefire and five more on the 70th day. The agreement also includes the return of the bodies of additional Israeli captives.
There has been no immediate response from the Israeli occupation government.
The breakthrough follows months of failed negotiations and repeated flare-ups since the collapse of a previous ceasefire agreement in January. Israel resumed its military campaign in Gaza on March 18 after declaring the prior truce void.
Hamas has long said it is willing to release all remaining hostages taken on October 7, 2023 — but only if Israel agrees to a full and permanent withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.
The U.S.-backed proposal may mark a critical step toward ending a war that has led to mass displacement, widespread destruction, and a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. However, the road to implementation remains uncertain as attention turns to whether Israel will accept the terms.
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