Envoy Witkoff optimistic for Gaza truce and lasting peace
DaysofPal- The White House has expressed optimism that a new ceasefire proposal drafted by U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, could bring an end to the war in Gaza, according to a report by Axios citing three sources directly involved in the ongoing negotiations.
'If each side moves just a bit, we could have a deal within days,' one source told the outlet, suggesting that momentum toward a potential agreement may be building after months of bloodshed and stalled diplomacy.
On Tuesday night, Hamas announced it had reached a preliminary understanding with Witkoff on a framework for a permanent ceasefire. The group stated that the agreement includes a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the unrestricted entry of humanitarian aid, two key Palestinian demands.
Shortly thereafter, Witkoff appeared with President Trump in the Oval Office, revealing that he had finalized 'a new term sheet' for the president's review and approval.
'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, echoing the administration's desire for a breakthrough.
Witkoff has reportedly engaged in negotiations with both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his senior adviser Ron Dermer while maintaining a communication channel with Hamas leaders in Doha through Palestinian-American businessman Bishara Bahbah.
Despite recent hardline rhetoric from Israeli officials, signs of movement have emerged. On Wednesday, the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation (IBC) reported a 'positive development' in indirect talks between Israel and Hamas, with the potential for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange.
Israeli media cited a government source who revealed that Witkoff's proposal includes the release of nine live Israeli detainees and 18 corpses in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire. In order to guarantee a lasting cessation of the war, the plan also provides for future negotiations. If talks fail, the proposal allows Israel to either resume military operations or continue discussions for the release of more detainees.
Under the new framework, humanitarian aid would once again be delivered under United Nations supervision. The Israeli military would also be required to withdraw from areas it occupied during Operation Sword and Shield.
Israel estimates that 58 of its citizens are still held captive in Gaza, with only 20 believed to be alive. Meanwhile, over 10,100 Palestinians are currently imprisoned by Israel. Rights groups have reported widespread torture, starvation, and medical neglect within Israeli detention facilities, conditions that have resulted in numerous deaths.
Domestically, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu faces increasing pressure from opposition figures and the families of hostages. Critics accuse him of prolonging the war to appease the most extreme elements of his governing coalition and to safeguard his political survival. Netanyahu is currently facing an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court over alleged war crimes in Gaza.
Since the start of the war on October 7, 2023, Israel has waged a relentless genocide in Gaza with full support from the United States. The offensive has killed or injured more than 177,000 Palestinians, the vast majority of them women and children. Over 11,000 remain missing under the rubble, according to Palestinian and international humanitarian organizations.
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