Witkoff Proposes New Gaza Ceasefire and Hostage Deal; Hamas Pushes Back, Netanyahu Considers

by Emmitt Barry, with reporting from Worthy News Jerusalem Bureau Staff

(Worthy News) – U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff has presented a revised proposal aimed at securing a temporary ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages, sources told The Jerusalem Post. The proposal includes the release of 28 hostages—10 alive and 18 deceased—over two rounds, alongside a 60-day ceasefire and the withdrawal of IDF troops from recently captured areas in the Strip.

In a significant change, humanitarian aid distribution would revert to the United Nations, marking the end of operations by the U.S.-facilitated Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. This shift reflects growing concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and recent disorder at aid centers.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu quickly convened a cabinet meeting to discuss the proposal, inviting key figures such as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Opposition Leader Yair Lapid urged Netanyahu to accept the deal, stating, “Israel must publicly and immediately accept the framework… even if Ben-Gvir and Smotrich try to sabotage it.”

The plan does not dictate a permanent ceasefire and allows Israel to resume fighting after the 60-day truce if further negotiations stall. This clause drew harsh criticism from Hamas, which claimed the proposal heavily favors Israel and lacks clear U.S. guarantees that the truce would lead to a permanent cessation of hostilities.

A Hamas source told Walla that the group believes the U.S. administration shortchanged it and said the plan fails to address key demands, including complete Israeli withdrawal and ceasefire extension terms. Hamas is currently reviewing the proposal and has issued a statement declaring that it will do so “responsibly to serve the interests of our people.”

The revised deal is based on recent high-level talks between Witkoff, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, and Hamas representatives in Qatar. Still, key issues remain unresolved—chief among them, what happens at the end of the proposed ceasefire if no further agreement is reached.

Despite internal skepticism and public opposition from Hamas, Netanyahu has signaled his willingness to move forward. Netanyahu told the families of hostages that he is prepared to move forward with the deal, whether this latest U.S.-backed framework leads to meaningful progress or breaks down, as past efforts have, remains to be seen.

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