Israel has agreed to a U.S.-proposed ceasefire plan for Gaza, officials announced on Thursday, while Hamas stated it is reviewing the offer, though it does not fully meet their demands.
The White House confirmed that Israel had accepted the proposal, which aims to halt the ongoing conflict and address the humanitarian crisis in the region. “We can confirm that Israel has agreed to the ceasefire plan,” a White House spokesperson said. “We continue to engage with all parties to bring about a peaceful resolution.”
Hamas officials acknowledged receiving the proposal through mediators but expressed reservations. “The terms do not fully meet our demands, particularly regarding the lifting of the blockade on Gaza,” a Hamas representative said. “However, we are evaluating the proposal with a sense of responsibility toward our people.”
The ceasefire plan reportedly includes a temporary halt to hostilities and provisions for humanitarian aid to reach civilians affected by the conflict. Details of the proposal have not been made public.
The conflict escalated after a surprise attack by Hamas on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people in Israel and the abduction of numerous hostages. In response, Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza, leading to significant casualties and widespread destruction. According to Gaza health officials, thousands of Palestinians have been killed, and many more have been displaced.
The international community has called for an immediate ceasefire and increased humanitarian assistance to Gaza. Many nations have urged both sides to come to an agreement to prevent further loss of life and alleviate the suffering of civilians.
Previous attempts to broker a ceasefire have faltered due to deep-seated disagreements between Israel and Hamas. Key sticking points include Israel’s demand for the release of hostages and Hamas’s insistence on lifting the long-standing blockade imposed on Gaza.
As both parties consider the latest proposal, there is cautious optimism that a temporary truce could pave the way for more substantial negotiations aimed at achieving lasting peace in the region.
