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Key Points
- Israel has agreed to a US-brokered ceasefire proposal for Gaza, according to the White House.
- Hamas stated it is reviewing the plan, although its terms did not meet the group’s demands.
- The initial phase reportedly includes a 60-day ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid through UN-run operations.
Here’s what you need to know.
Israel accepts US-led ceasefire deal
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Israel has “approved this proposal before it was forwarded to Hamas”, mentioning that discussions are “ongoing” with the militant group.
How has Hamas responded?
Hamas sources indicated last week that the group had agreed to a US-endorsed deal, but on Thursday, political bureau member Bassem Naim mentioned the new version implied “the continuation of killing and famine … and does not meet any of our people’s demands, chiefly stopping the war”.
A source close to the group said the new version “is considered a retreat” from the previous one, which “included an American commitment regarding permanent ceasefire negotiations”.
What does the ceasefire outline?
Witkoff told reporters earlier this week the US was close to “sending out a new term sheet” about a ceasefire to the two sides in the conflict that has escalated since October 2023.
The Gaza health ministry reported the Israeli army has killed 3,986 Palestinians and wounded 11,451 others since breaking the last ceasefire in March.
Hamas has rejected the demand to give up its weapons and says Israel must pull its troops out of Gaza and commit to ending the war.
Controversial humanitarian aid efforts
The aid launch was marred by tumultuous scenes earlier this week when thousands of Palestinians rushed distribution points and forced private security contractors to retreat.
