U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff announced that a new proposal is on the table aimed at securing a temporary ceasefire in Gaza and facilitating the release of hostages. The deal would result in the return of half of the living hostages and half of the deceased in exchange for a truce, setting the stage for negotiations toward a permanent end to the conflict. Witkoff stated he would oversee the negotiations during the truce period, underscoring a direct role for Washington in advancing a resolution.

While Witkoff called on Hamas to accept the proposal, no formal acceptance has been made. A Palestinian official involved in the talks claimed that Hamas had agreed to the terms, though no details were provided. At the same time, Witkoff rejected a separate reported plan involving a 70-day truce and the release of ten hostages in two phases, calling it unacceptable and unrelated to his proposal.

According to a U.S. official, Witkoff has not held direct talks with Hamas. Discussions have instead been facilitated by Palestinian-American businessman Bishara Bahbah, who previously led Arab Americans for Trump. Bahbah met with Hamas leaders in Doha to relay the U.S.-backed proposal and help shape the framework for potential progress.

Witkoff’s involvement appears to be designed to provide Hamas with assurances that Israel will participate in future talks, a key demand from the group during earlier negotiations. Hamas has previously insisted that any temporary ceasefire must include a path to end the war entirely, a condition that Israel resisted during the last truce.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed that the return of hostages remains a priority. In a public statement, he expressed hope for progress, stating that developments could occur soon. However, Israeli officials later clarified that no breakthrough had been made and that Hamas continued to reject current terms. One official emphasized that progress would only come if Hamas aligned with Israel’s position.

As efforts continue behind the scenes, international attention remains focused on the potential for a diplomatic breakthrough. The United States appears committed to leveraging its influence to bring both sides to the table and move toward ending a conflict that has taken a devastating toll on civilian populations.