In a significant development, a Palestinian official close to Hamas revealed on Monday that the group has agreed to a U.S.-proposed ceasefire plan for Gaza, potentially paving the way for an end to the ongoing conflict. The proposal, presented by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, was communicated to Hamas through mediators, marking a critical step toward de-escalation in the region.
According to the official, the ceasefire plan outlines a 70-day truce and includes the release of ten living Israeli hostages held by Hamas, to be freed in two phases. In exchange, Israel would implement a partial withdrawal of its forces from the Gaza Strip. The agreement also involves the release of the remains of several deceased individuals, alongside the liberation of a significant number of Palestinian prisoners, including many serving extended sentences.
The proposal is structured in two stages, with the initial focus on the release of hostages and the establishment of the truce, followed by further negotiations to solidify the ceasefire terms. While Hamas has signaled its acceptance, Israel has yet to issue an official response, leaving the next steps uncertain but hopeful.
This development follows months of intense conflict in Gaza, with both sides facing international pressure to reach a peaceful resolution. The U.S.-backed plan represents a renewed diplomatic effort to halt hostilities and address humanitarian concerns in the region. Observers are cautiously optimistic, noting that the agreement could provide a foundation for broader negotiations if both parties fully commit.
As the situation unfolds, the international community is closely monitoring Israel’s response, which will be critical in determining whether this proposal can bring a lasting pause to the violence and open a path toward reconciliation.
Note: This article is an original piece based on the provided information, crafted to avoid copyrighted content and reflect the reported developments accurately.
