The Saudi channel Asharq is reporting that Hamas and Israel have reached an understanding regarding the ceasefire proposal put forth by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff. According to the report, U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to formally announce the agreement within the next few hours.
No Confirmation Yet from Hamas
Israel has clarified that Hamas has not yet officially accepted the ceasefire proposal. However, a senior political source noted that “the absence of a denial from the Palestinian side and preparations for an official announcement may indicate significant progress.”
As previously reported, the new outline presented by White House envoy Steve Witkoff to both Israel and Hamas includes the release of 10 live hostages and 18 bodies of deceased hostages in two phases over the course of one week, in exchange for a temporary 60-day ceasefire and the release of Palestinian terrorists. During this period, negotiations are to be held for a long-term resolution and a permanent ceasefire, with the potential for extension depending on the progress made.
Additional Provisions in the Agreement
According to Israeli sources, the proposal also includes an IDF withdrawal from recently captured areas in northern Gaza, particularly around Rafah and the Morag corridor, and the transfer of responsibility for humanitarian aid distribution to the United Nations. The deal is backed by U.S. guarantees to ensure continued negotiations even after the ceasefire ends—provided that talks show real progress.
In return, Israel would release 125 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences, 1,111 detainees arrested since October 7, and transfer the remains of 180 Palestinians to the West Bank.
An Agreement Reaching Maturity
The full details of the agreement have not yet been published, but according to sources familiar with the process, the latest version includes revisions and likely outlines a framework for the gradual end of hostilities, extensive humanitarian aid entry, and a general commitment to Israeli withdrawal—while still leaving some discretion to the Israeli government.
Hamas officials, who earlier today warned against the original proposal, had claimed the document was biased toward Israeli demands and failed to guarantee a complete end to the fighting.
Trump Back in the Spotlight
According to reports, the diplomatic track was guided by American Jewish businessman US envoy Steve Witkoff, on behalf of President Trump, who maintained ongoing contact with regional mediators. It is expected that Trump will play a central role in the formal announcement of the ceasefire, aiming to present the development as a major American achievement.
