Hamas Reportedly Accepts U.S.-Backed Ceasefire Proposal

In what could be a major turning point in the ongoing war, Hamas has reportedly agreed to a new ceasefire proposal put forth by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, a senior Palestinian official close to the group told Reuters on Monday. The development raises cautious hope for an end to the months-long conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The proposal, delivered to Hamas through mediators, outlines a 70-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of ten living Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

These hostages would be freed in two phases. In return, Israel would also release a significant number of Palestinian prisoners, including many serving long sentences. The deal also includes a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.

Israel has not yet issued an official response to the reported agreement.

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The proposal comes amid mounting international pressure to halt the conflict, which reignited in March after a fragile ceasefire agreement from January collapsed. On March 18, Israel resumed its military campaign in Gaza. Hamas and allied factions retaliated just days later with renewed rocket fire and attacks.

Hamas has expressed its willingness to release all remaining hostages taken during its October 7, 2023, assault on southern Israeli communities. That attack, which killed 1,200 people and led to the abduction of 251 hostages, according to Israeli officials, triggered a full-scale Israeli air and ground operation in Gaza.

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Since the conflict began, Gaza’s health authorities report nearly 54,000 Palestinian deaths, with the territory suffering massive destruction. Humanitarian organizations have warned of widespread malnutrition and an accelerating humanitarian catastrophe in the besieged coastal enclave.

While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously rejected a permanent ceasefire unless Hamas is dismantled entirely, he has signaled openness to a temporary truce in exchange for hostage releases.

The coming days may be critical in determining whether this latest proposal can pave the way toward a sustained de-escalation — or if it will become another missed opportunity in a devastating war.