Hamas accepts US proposal for ceasefire in Gaza: source

GAZA -- Hamas has agreed to a proposal presented by US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff for a ceasefire in Gaza that will halt hostilities in the Strip, a Hamas official said on Monday.

The source, who requested anonymity, said the US proposal includes a temporary ceasefire for 60 days, during which a series of humanitarian and political steps will be implemented, paving the way for discussions on the possibility of reaching a permanent truce between the two sides.

The source added that the proposal includes the release of 10 living Israeli hostages held by Hamas, in exchange for the entry of urgent humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, amounting to 1,000 trucks during the truce period, under UN supervision and US guarantees.

The source explained that, under the proposal, Washington pledged to launch comprehensive negotiations for a permanent ceasefire, including arrangements for the post-war phase, reconstruction, the reopening of crossings, and the establishment of an international mechanism to monitor any potential violations.

According to the source, the proposal includes a commitment by Hamas to halt "any development of its military capabilities," and "refrain from any activity that could pose a threat to Israel's security," referring to the manufacture of rockets and tunnels, and reorganizing its military units.

"The proposal does not explicitly refer to handing over power to the Palestinian Authority, but it stipulates that the administration of Gaza will be civilian, temporary, and under international-regional supervision until general Palestinian elections are held," the source said.

Hamas has yet to issue official statements regarding the approval, but the source confirmed that the movement had informed mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, of its initial approval of the proposal.

These developments come as Israeli military operations continue in the Gaza Strip.

Israel has not yet announced its official position on the proposal, but Israeli media outlets have quoted officials as saying that Israel rejects the proposal and will not accept it.

Meanwhile, according to the Axios news site, Witkoff denies that Hamas has accepted his proposal for a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza.