In a major breakthrough, Hamas has agreed to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire proposal, potentially signaling a turning point in the devastating conflict in Gaza. A senior Palestinian official close to the militant group confirmed on Monday that Hamas has accepted the latest plan presented by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff through international mediators.
The proposed deal outlines a 70-day ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, during which ten Israeli hostages would be released in two groups. In return, Israel is expected to partially withdraw from areas of the Gaza Strip and release a significant number of Palestinian prisoners, including those serving long-term sentences.
While Israel has yet to issue an official response, the development has ignited cautious optimism for a possible pause in the fighting that has gripped the region for over seven months.
The conflict intensified after the brutal events of October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led gunmen stormed southern Israeli communities, killing approximately 1,200 people and abducting 251 individuals, according to Israeli figures. Israel responded with a sweeping military campaign in Gaza, involving both airstrikes and ground operations.
Since then, the violence has resulted in nearly 54,000 Palestinian deaths, according to health officials in Gaza. The region has faced severe devastation, with countless homes reduced to rubble and a humanitarian crisis growing more desperate by the day. Aid organizations report widespread signs of malnutrition among displaced residents, many of whom are living in tents near demolished buildings.
This new proposal follows a breakdown of an earlier ceasefire agreement reached in January, which ended abruptly in March when Israel resumed its military operations. In response, Hamas and allied groups renewed rocket attacks on Israeli territory.
Hamas has reiterated its willingness to release all remaining hostages and commit to a permanent ceasefire—but only if Israel agrees to a full withdrawal from Gaza. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains firm that any lasting ceasefire is contingent upon the total dismantling of Hamas’s military infrastructure. According to Netanyahu, a temporary truce is acceptable only if it leads to the release of hostages, but the war must continue until Hamas is “eliminated.”
While a permanent resolution still appears distant, this latest development may offer much-needed relief to civilians on both sides and create space for more intensive diplomatic efforts.
Whether this deal marks the beginning of the end of the conflict—or merely a pause—remains to be seen. But for now, it presents a rare glimmer of hope in an otherwise grim landscape.
