The Voice News: Israel has accepted a new ceasefire proposal from US special envoy Steve Witkoff, according to an Israeli official. The plan includes a 60-day truce and the release of 10 living and 18 deceased hostages. However, it does not mention any permanent end to the war—something Hamas insists upon.
Hamas, in response, said the current proposal “does not meet the demands of our people,” particularly regarding halting the war and ending famine in Gaza, according to political bureau member Bassem Naim. Still, Hamas is considering the plan, citing their responsibility amid the “genocide” they allege is occurring.
A senior Hamas official confirmed they are open to releasing the hostages and implementing the 60-day ceasefire. However, they demand:
- A US guarantee that negotiations for a permanent ceasefire will continue and the conflict won’t resume.
- Humanitarian aid to be delivered via UN channels.
- Israeli military withdrawal to pre-March 2 positions, before recent military escalation.
The official noted frustration after previously reaching a tentative agreement with US mediator Bishara Bahbah, only to see Witkoff’s final draft shift significantly, which Hamas believes reflects Israeli interests.
“We are ready to return all hostages in one day, but need assurances that war will not resume,” the Hamas official told CNN.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the US proposal was submitted with Israel’s approval and negotiations are ongoing. “We hope a ceasefire will bring the hostages home,” she said.
Despite Israel’s acceptance, internal political divisions remain. Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich rejected the proposal as “sheer madness,” while opposition leader Yair Lapid urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to support it “publicly and immediately,” pledging to back the government if far-right parties withdraw.
Hamas has expressed a willingness to release half of the 20 remaining hostages, calling it a “big risk” without credible guarantees. “We want to stop the war,” the Hamas official said. “They want to continue it.”
