Hamas accepts US proposal for Gaza ceasefire deal
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Hamas agrees to the US envoy's truce plan, guaranteeing full ceasefire, withdrawal, and negotiations, and awaits the Israeli occupation's official response.
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Palestinians inspect a site used as a shelter for displaced residents that was hit by an Israeli military strike, in Gaza City, on Sunday, May 25, 2025 (AP)
Senior Hamas official Basem Naim announced on Monday that the movement has agreed to a new proposal put forward by US envoy Steve Witkoff. According to Naim, the essence of the initiative is “to reach a cessation of war, ensure the withdrawal of hostile forces, and lay the groundwork for a permanent ceasefire.”
Naim confirmed the acceptance through a Facebook post, stating: “We await the Zionist occupation’s response.”
The announcement follows exclusive reporting by Al Mayadeen on Sunday, which revealed that both Hamas and the Israeli occupation had been reviewing a proposal drafted by Palestinian-American mediator Bishara Bahbah, in coordination and with the approval of US envoy Steve Witkoff.
90-day truce in exchange for 10 captives
According to a senior Palestinian official familiar with the matter, the document outlines several key components: an initial ceasefire period of 60 days in exchange for the release of 10 Israeli captives in two batches. Hamas, however, proposed a 90-day truce in return for the release of 10 captives, five alive and five deceased. The American side ultimately endorsed a 70-day duration. Both versions include mechanisms to facilitate humanitarian access and reduce assaults.
The document also emphasizes that the ceasefire period would be comprehensive and fully guaranteed by US President Donald Trump, reflecting a serious effort to halt the hostilities.
Moreover, the proposal outlines the beginning of formal negotiations to end the war during the ceasefire period and includes a commitment from Hamas and other factions not to pose any future threat to the security of “Israel.”
Hamas, 'Israel' reviewing truce proposal
Bahbah's proposal, submitted in coordination with and approved by US envoy Steve Witkoff, outlined a comprehensive framework for a 60-day ceasefire, including the release of 10 Israeli captives in two stages and the initiation of direct talks aimed at ending the war on Gaza.
