Hamas Accepts U.S.-Backed Ceasefire Proposal
The proposal, mediated by U.S. envoy Steven Witkoff and Palestinian-American Bishara Bahbah, includes a permanent ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, humanitarian aid, and prisoner exchange.
Palestine, PUREWILAYAH.COM - The Palestinian Resistance movement Hamas announced on Tuesday its approval of a new ceasefire proposal presented by U.S. envoy Steven Witkoff, signaling a possible breakthrough in the prolonged efforts to end the ongoing Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip.
In its official statement, Hamas confirmed that the proposal includes a general framework featuring a permanent ceasefire, the full withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from Gaza, the immediate entry of humanitarian aid, and the establishment of a professional committee to manage the Strip’s civil affairs.
The deal also involves the release of ten Israeli captives and the return of several bodies in exchange for an agreed number of Palestinian detainees, under international mediation.
600 Days Under Genocide: Gaza’s Grim Milestone
This announcement comes as the Gaza Strip marks its 600th consecutive day under what Palestinians describe as a genocidal campaign by Israel, characterized by relentless airstrikes on civilians, hospitals, and essential infrastructure.
According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, the death toll has risen to 54,084 martyrs, with at least 123,308 others injured. Thousands remain unaccounted for or are detained under inhumane conditions.
If implemented, the proposed ceasefire would mark the first serious opportunity in months to halt the violence and begin rebuilding the war-torn enclave, where humanitarian conditions have reached catastrophic levels.
Details of the Proposal: Ceasefire, Aid, and Prisoner Swap
Senior Hamas official Basem Naim confirmed the group’s acceptance of the proposal in a statement posted to Facebook, affirming: “We await the Zionist occupation’s response.”
The announcement follows an exclusive report by Al Mayadeen, which revealed that both Hamas and the Israeli side had reviewed a draft proposal coordinated by Palestinian-American mediator Bishara Bahbah and approved by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff.
According to a senior Palestinian official familiar with the matter, the plan outlines a 60-day initial ceasefire in exchange for the release of 10 Israeli captives in two batches. Hamas later proposed a 90-day truce for the release of five live and five deceased Israeli captives. The American negotiators ultimately endorsed a 70-day duration.
Both versions of the deal include provisions for increased humanitarian access and a decrease in military operations during the truce period.
Trump’s Guarantee and Path to Ending the War
The document reportedly guarantees that the ceasefire would be fully enforced under the authority of U.S. President Donald Trump, emphasizing the seriousness of the American commitment to halting the war.
Furthermore, the deal stipulates that formal negotiations to end the war would begin during the ceasefire period, and that Hamas and other Palestinian factions would commit to not threatening the security of "Israel" in the future.
Bahbah’s proposal, which was developed in collaboration with Witkoff, details a comprehensive framework for peace talks, prisoner exchange, and humanitarian relief, creating what may be the most viable path forward since the war began. (ARN)
Source: Al-Mayadeen