Conflicting Reports on Gaza Ceasefire, US Voices Optimism
Conflicting reports have been emerging in the last hours on the ceasefire in Gaza. The US is showing optimism that a new deal will be reached, as Israeli media reported that the agreement included a 60-day ceasefire, not a permanent truce.
US outlet Axios reported on Thursday that the White House is optimistic a new proposal from US President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff could result in a ceasefire agreement soon.
'If each side moves just a bit, we could have a deal within days,' Axios reported quoted a source involved in the negotiations as saying.
Last night, Hamas said it had reached an agreement with Witkoff on a general framework for a permanent ceasefire, a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the unhindered entry of humanitarian aid.
Following that, Witkoff made an appearance alongside Trump in the Oval Office and announced he had drafted 'a new term sheet' for the president's approval, Axios reported.
'I have some very good feelings about getting to a temporary ceasefire and a long-term resolution, a peaceful resolution of that conflict,' Witkoff said.
U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East @SteveWitkoff on Gaza: 'I think that we are on the precipice of sending out a new term sheet that hopefully will be delivered later on today… I have some very good feelings about getting to a long-term resolution — temporary ceasefire.' pic.twitter.com/Cg4wNeNBsh
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) May 28, 2025
60-Day Ceasefire?
Meanwhile, Hebrew media reported that Israeli officials are now claiming the new American proposal for a truce and deal with Hamas would include the release of 10 live Israeli captives, not nine as previously reported.
Similarly, the pan-Arab channel Al Ghad reported that the outline was submitted overnight to both Hamas and 'Israel', and that it includes a 60-day ceasefire, during which 10 living captives and 18 bodies of hostages would be released — half on the first day of the truce, and the other half on the seventh day.
In return, 'Israel' would release 125 Palestinian terror convicts serving life sentences, 1,111 Gazans detained since the start of the war on October 7, 2023, and 180 bodies of Palestinians currently held by the Israeli occupation, according to the reports.
The agreement also reportedly includes the entry of humanitarian aid during the ceasefire period and a withdrawal of Israeli forces to agreed-upon lines.
Additionally, the proposal contains an American guarantee to continue negotiations throughout the ceasefire until a permanent ceasefire is reached, Al Ghad reports, though Hebrew media emphasize that it gives Israel the option of resuming fighting if these talks fail.
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