ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The White House confirmed on Thursday that Israel has accepted a US-proposed ceasefire plan aimed at halting ongoing hostilities in Gaza. However, Palestinian group Hamas has expressed reservations, indicating the plan does not meet its core demands.
Israel Agrees to US Ceasefire Terms
According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Israel has approved the terms of the US-brokered ceasefire proposal. While details of the deal remain confidential, reports suggest it was presented by President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff.
Though Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has not formally confirmed the agreement, local media report that he conveyed the acceptance to families of hostages still held in Gaza.
Hamas Reviewing Proposal
Hamas has not officially accepted the proposal and is currently reviewing its terms. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri told Reuters the group is still in discussions, stating the plan “echoes Israel’s positions” and lacks key assurances.
“It does not include clear commitments to end the war, withdraw troops, or ensure the flow of humanitarian aid,” Abu Zuhri said.
A source familiar with the proposal indicated it involves an initial *60-day ceasefire* and the *expansion of humanitarian aid* into Gaza. Past efforts to broker a lasting truce have failed due to deep divisions between both parties.
Ceasefire Conditions and Stalemate
Israel continues to demand the *complete disarmament of Hamas, dismantling of its military infrastructure, and the return of all **58 remaining hostages* as prerequisites for ending the war.
Hamas has rejected calls to surrender its weapons and insists on a *full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza* and a *permanent end to hostilities* before considering any agreement.
Expanding Humanitarian Operations
Meanwhile, the US-backed *Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF)* has expanded its food aid distribution, opening a *third site* in the enclave. Despite early criticism from the United Nations and aid agencies over its operational limitations, the foundation has now supplied *1.8 million meals* and plans to scale further.
Earlier aid efforts were marred by chaos as desperate civilians overwhelmed distribution points, prompting security teams to withdraw. The disruption has increased international pressure on Israel to allow more comprehensive humanitarian access.
Conflict Background and Rising Toll
The latest round of conflict began on *October 7, 2023, following a deadly Hamas assault in southern Israel that resulted in **1,200 Israeli deaths* and *251 people taken hostage*, according to Israeli figures.
In response, Israel launched an extensive military campaign in Gaza, which *has killed over 54,000 Palestinians*, according to Gaza health authorities. The prolonged conflict has devastated the territory’s infrastructure and left much of the enclave in ruins.
Diplomatic Outlook
Envoy Steve Witkoff stated on Wednesday that the US is close to finalizing a new framework to present to both sides. “I have some very good feelings about getting to a long-term resolution, temporary ceasefire, and a peaceful resolution of that conflict,” he said.
The international community, including several European nations, has ramped up calls for an immediate ceasefire and scaled-up relief efforts to avert further humanitarian catastrophe.
