Israel has agreed to a ceasefire proposal for Gaza put forward by the United States, according to the White House. Meanwhile, Hamas has stated that the deal remains "under discussion."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that he accepted the plan from Steve Witkoff, a Middle East envoy under Donald Trump. Netanyahu shared this news with families of hostages still held in Gaza.
The proposal suggests a 60-day halt in fighting. During the first week, it aims for the release of nine living hostages and half of the known deceased hostages. After that, Israel and Hamas would continue negotiations to secure the release of the remaining hostages. However, Israel would reserve the right to resume military actions if talks fail.
Reports indicate that 28 Israeli hostages, both alive and deceased, would be released in exchange for 125 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and the remains of 180 deceased individuals. The plan also includes provisions for sending aid to Gaza once Hamas agrees to the terms.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Israel supports Witkoff’s proposal, but discussions are ongoing. Hamas officials have expressed that the proposal does not meet their demands, which include ending the conflict, withdrawing Israeli troops from Gaza, and allowing aid into the area.
In the midst of these negotiations, a doctor at al Awda Hospital in northern Gaza reported that the Israeli army is encircling the facility, which is one of the last operational hospitals in the region. The hospital has been under fire, and evacuation orders have been issued for parts of northern Gaza due to military operations against Hamas.
As the humanitarian situation worsens, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has expanded its aid distribution efforts. However, witnesses have reported chaos at aid sites, with people scrambling for supplies and Israeli troops intervening to control the crowds.
This situation unfolds against a backdrop of significant loss of life. More than 54,000 Palestinians have reportedly died since the conflict escalated after a Hamas attack in October, which resulted in over 1,200 Israeli deaths and around 250 hostages taken. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, this figure includes over 12,000 children.
In London, a vigil was held where the names of thousands of children killed in Gaza were read. Actor Steve Coogan, among others, participated, expressing outrage over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.