Israeli officials confirmed Thursday that Israel has accepted a new US ceasefire proposal intended to end the ongoing hostilities between Hamas and Israel in Gaza, marking an important step toward ending nearly eight months of warfare between these sides.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently described this proposal, outlining a multi-stage ceasefire and including provisions for hostage releases, humanitarian aid distribution and the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza as being “comprehensive.” Reportedly it received full backing by Israel’s War Cabinet after deliberations with American mediators and consultation.
“Israel has officially accepted the terms of the proposal put forward by our American allies,” an unidentified Israeli official informed local media. “This presents an opportunity for peace to return, secure our hostages’ release, and meet long-term security requirements.”
U.S.-drafted roadmap calls for an initial six-week ceasefire during which Hamas would release various Israeli hostages – women, elderly people, and wounded individuals – in exchange for freeing Palestinian detainees. Meanwhile humanitarian assistance would significantly increase and Israeli forces would begin withdrawing from densely populated areas of Gaza.
In the second phase, further negotiations would focus on reaching an accord for an indefinite cessation of hostilities between Hamas and Israel, contingent upon them agreeing to disarm or significantly reduce their military capabilities.
Hamas has yet to respond officially to Israel’s acceptance of their proposal; however, senior Hamas officials have previously voiced discontent that it falls short of fulfilling some of their core demands – particularly an Israeli withdrawal and permanent end of Gaza’s blockade.
Qatar and Egypt mediators are working on convincing Hamas to see the proposal as more of a framework than an end point, according to reports. Analysts expect a positive response from Hamas would pave the way for serious dialogue supported by strong U.S. diplomatic pressure.
The announcement came amid mounting international concern over Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. Local health authorities report that over 34,000 Palestinians have been killed since conflict flared up in October 2024; 1,400 Israelis have also lost their lives during this conflict, which has uprooted hundreds of thousands of civilians, destroyed critical infrastructure, and caused unrest throughout neighboring nations.
U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden hailed the ceasefire plan as a “real opportunity to stop suffering” and called on both parties to accept its terms. Biden stated at a White House press briefing on Wednesday: “This plan may not be ideal, but it provides a path toward peace.”
Now that Israel has joined the peace efforts, focus is shifting toward Hamas. Analysts caution, however, that even with Israeli approval a lasting ceasefire remains complex and fragile – but nonetheless this event marks an important turning point in efforts to end bloodshed and bring peace back into play.