Deal Brokered by US Envoy Sparks Hopes for Peace as Gaza Conflict Intensifies; Permanent Ceasefire Talks on the Horizon
Gaza: In a dramatic turn in the Gaza conflict, Hamas has reportedly accepted a new ceasefire proposal brokered by international mediators, according to sources within the militant group. The proposed deal involves a 70-day ceasefire, a partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the release of 10 Israeli hostages in two batches, Hamas sources confirmed to AFP.
The agreement, reportedly put forward by US special envoy Steve Witkoff, comes as Israel intensifies its offensive in the Gaza Strip following the collapse of the previous ceasefire in mid-March. With tensions surging, the international community is now clinging to the hope that this breakthrough could pave the way to a long-term peace settlement.
"Hamas has agreed to a new proposal from US Ambassador Steve Witkoff,"
Hamas sources told AFP on Monday, adding that the ceasefire would provide a crucial window for broader negotiations on a permanent ceasefire with US guarantees.
Key Elements of the New Ceasefire Deal:
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A 70-day ceasefire observed by both parties
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Release of 10 living Israeli hostages held by Hamas in two batches
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Partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from parts of the Gaza Strip
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Initiation of permanent ceasefire talks with US involvement and guarantees
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Exchange of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli custody, as part of the wider agreement
“The proposal includes the release of 10 living Israeli hostages held by Hamas in exchange for a 70-day ceasefire, a partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the release of several Palestinian prisoners,”
a Palestinian source close to the negotiations told AFP.
Global Diplomacy at Play
The ceasefire plan is the result of intensive behind-the-scenes diplomacy over the last several days involving the United States, Egypt, and Qatar — all of whom have been key intermediaries in past rounds of negotiations.
Steve Witkoff, a figure associated with previous Mideast peace efforts during Donald Trump's administration, played a central role in structuring the current outline.
This agreement marks the most serious opportunity for de-escalation since talks broke down in mid-March, when an earlier two-month truce failed to produce a sustainable peace framework.
Crisis Far From Over
Despite the breakthrough, violence on the ground continues, with Israeli forces continuing operations in northern Gaza, prompting fears that the truce window could close before being implemented. Both sides remain deeply mistrustful.
However, pressure from the international community, combined with public fatigue on both sides, may now be forcing a shift toward diplomacy over destruction.
“This is the first real chance for a roadmap toward ending the bloodshed — but it depends on swift implementation and mutual accountability,”
said a Middle East policy analyst from Washington.
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