Hamas approves Witkoff's Gaza ceasefire proposal
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Hamas agrees to a US-mediated ceasefire plan with a full IOF withdrawal from Gaza and prisoner exchanges the final response from mediators remains pending.
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Palestinians carry boxes containing food and humanitarian aid packages delivered by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US-backed organization approved by the Israeli occupation in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 (AP)
The Palestinian Resistance movement Hamas announced on Tuesday its approval of a new ceasefire proposal presented by US envoy Steven Witkoff, marking a potential breakthrough in efforts to halt the ongoing Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip.
In an official statement, Hamas said the proposal outlines a general framework that includes a permanent ceasefire, a full withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from the Gaza Strip, the immediate entry of humanitarian aid, and the formation of a professional committee to administer the enclave’s civil affairs upon the formal announcement of the agreement.
The statement further noted that the deal entails the release of ten Israeli captives, along with the return of several bodies, in exchange for an agreed-upon number of Palestinian detainees, under the supervision of international mediators.
Gaza marks 600 days under Israeli genocide
Hamas confirmed it is now awaiting a final response to the proposed framework.
This development comes as the Gaza Strip enters its 600th consecutive day under a brutal Israeli genocide campaign, marked by continuous assaults on civilians, hospitals, and critical infrastructure.
According to Gaza's Ministry of Health, the death toll has reached 54,084 martyrs, with at least 123,308 others wounded. Thousands more remain missing or imprisoned under dire conditions.
The proposed ceasefire, if implemented, could offer the first genuine opportunity in months to end the bloodshed and initiate the reconstruction of Gaza, where humanitarian conditions have rapidly collapsed under siege and destruction.
Hamas accepts US proposal
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.
