Newsletters
U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff announced Wednesday he would present a new Gaza ceasefire proposal involving hostage releases, as Hamas claimed to have reached an agreement on a permanent ceasefire framework while Israeli officials disputed any deal.
Speaking at the White House alongside President Donald Trump, Witkoff stated, "We are on the precipice of sending out a new term sheet that hopefully will be delivered later on today."
The US envoy expressed optimism about negotiations, saying, "I have some very good feelings about getting to a long-term resolution—a temporary ceasefire and a long-term resolution, a peaceful resolution of that conflict."
According to sources reported by Israeli journalists and the Israeli media outlet The Jerusalem Post, Witkoff's modified proposal includes specific details for hostage releases in two phases:
The proposal establishes a 60-day ceasefire period during which Israel can either resume fighting if no agreement is reached or extend negotiations for additional hostage releases.
Under Witkoff's framework, Israel would release 125 Palestinians serving life sentences and 1,111 Gaza prisoners arrested after October 7. Additionally, Israel would return 180 bodies of deceased Palestinians in two installments.
The Israeli army would withdraw from recently captured areas in Gaza during the temporary ceasefire. Humanitarian aid distribution would return to United Nations control, replacing the current system managed through Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) centers with American volunteers.
Witkoff noted that President Trump would review the proposal after delivery. Sources familiar with negotiations indicated growing administration pressure: "Trump appears fed up with how Israel is handling the war in Gaza. He wants this over."
The proposal emerged from recent Washington discussions between Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Witkoff, plus talks conducted by Bishara Bahbah in Qatar with senior Hamas officials.
Shortly before Witkoff's announcement, Hamas declared it had reached an agreement with the U.S. envoy on a general framework for a permanent cease-fire.
"We have reached an agreement on a general framework with Witkoff that ensures a permanent ceasefire, a complete withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from Gaza, and the unhindered entry of humanitarian aid," Hamas stated.
The Palestinian organization said the agreement includes "the establishment of a professional committee to manage Gaza's affairs once a cease-fire is declared."
Israeli officials immediately dismissed Hamas's announcement. An unnamed Israeli source quoted by the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper called it "propaganda and psychological warfare."
"We are not aware of any agreement reached between Hamas and the U.S.," an Israeli official told Israeli media outlet Channel 12. "Hamas's attempt to use the term 'Witkoff's framework' to promote its own vision will not succeed."
The source claimed Israel agreed to Witkoff's initiative, but Hamas rejected the proposal, stating Israel and the U.S. have "strongly rejected recent ideas presented by Hamas."
Despite official denials, Israel's public broadcaster KAN reported that Israeli officials involved in indirect negotiations spoke of "positive development" regarding ceasefire possibilities.
The broadcaster quoted unnamed Israeli officials calling the coming days "extremely critical," with foreign sources suggesting the agreement could be signed quickly if Israel shows flexibility on ending the war.
Israel estimates 58 hostages remain in Gaza, including 20 believed alive. More than 10,100 Palestinians are held in Israeli prisons under harsh conditions, according to Palestinian and Israeli rights groups.
The Israeli military has pursued operations in Gaza since October 2023, with Palestinian officials reporting over 54,000 casualties, predominantly women and children.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants in November for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes.
1 min read
