Netanyahu accepts new truce plan as hopes rise for Gaza hostage deal
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly agreed to a new ceasefire proposal for Gaza, presented by US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff. The development marks a potential breakthrough in efforts to halt the months-long conflict and secure the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas.
According to Israeli state broadcaster Kan, Netanyahu conveyed his government's acceptance of the US-brokered proposal during a closed-door meeting with families of hostages, some of whom are believed to be deceased. The Prime Minister's Office has not yet issued an official statement.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian militant group Hamas confirmed that it had received the proposal through mediators and is currently reviewing its contents.
Citing senior Israeli officials, Kan reported that the proposal outlines a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza in exchange for the release of 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 others, to be carried out in two phases. In return, Israel would release 1,236 Palestinian detainees, including the bodies of 180 Palestinians.
Notably, the agreement does not require Israel to permanently end its ongoing military campaign in Gaza but commits both parties to begin negotiations for a long-term truce. The United States, Egypt, and Qatar would act as guarantors of the proposed agreement.
Israel believes 58 hostages remain in Gaza, 20 of whom are thought to be alive. They were taken during the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which triggered Israel's full-scale offensive in the enclave.
A previous ceasefire agreement, implemented in phases, collapsed in March 2024 after Hamas released 33 hostages. Israel halted further negotiations and resumed military operations on March 18.
The conflict has taken a heavy toll on civilians. Gaza's health authorities report that more than 54,000 people have been killed in the territory since the start of Israeli operations in October 2023.
The new initiative underscores renewed US efforts to bring both sides back to the negotiating table. The inclusion of Egypt and Qatar — key regional stakeholders — signals a multilateral push to stabilize the worsening humanitarian crisis.
The coming days will be critical as Hamas reviews the proposal and Israeli authorities face increasing pressure from hostage families and the international community to reach a deal.
If accepted, the ceasefire could provide a much-needed reprieve for Gaza's civilians and open the door to broader political negotiations aimed at ending one of the region's most devastating conflicts in decades.
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