US Presses Israel, Hamas To Accept Revised Hostage and Ceasefire Deal
White House envoy Steve Witkoff has delivered a revised proposal to both Israel and Hamas for a hostage release and temporary ceasefire in Gaza, and is now pressing both parties to accept the terms. The proposal, presented in recent days, seeks to secure the release of 10 Israeli hostages and the return of 15 bodies in exchange for a 45- to 60-day ceasefire and the release of Palestinian prisoners. Talks are ongoing through backchannels outside Doha, including indirect communication with Hamas via Palestinian-American businessman Bishara Bahbah.
The revised deal contains updated language meant to build toward a broader process that could lead to a permanent end to the war. According to sources familiar with the proposal, the changes are designed to reassure Hamas that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cannot unilaterally resume hostilities, as he did in March. “The new offer tries to give Hamas confidence that it’s worth moving forward with a partial deal now, because it could lead to the end of the war later on,” said a source involved in the negotiations.
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Netanyahu has reportedly responded positively but with several reservations. Hamas, meanwhile, has not yet agreed to the terms and is seeking clearer guarantees that a temporary ceasefire could transition into a permanent one. A senior Hamas official said the group is prepared to release between seven and nine hostages in exchange for a two-month ceasefire and the release of 300 Palestinian prisoners. Israel has countered with an offer to release 100 prisoners in return for half the living hostages.
Despite the ongoing diplomatic effort, the Israeli military launched a major offensive over the weekend in northern and southern Gaza, under the operation name “Gideon’s Chariots.” Meanwhile, US officials continue to press Israel to ease humanitarian access into Gaza. “We do not want to see a humanitarian crisis,” Witkoff told ABC’s This Week. “And we will not allow it to occur on President Trump’s watch.”
