By Newspot Nigeria Global Desk
In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Israel has officially accepted a new ceasefire proposal brokered by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, according to a statement from White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Thursday.
The proposal, which aims to de-escalate the prolonged conflict in Gaza, was reportedly approved by Israeli authorities before it was transmitted to Hamas. “Israel signed off on this proposal before it was sent to Hamas,” Leavitt confirmed, according to U.S. media outlet The Hill. She added that ongoing discussions remain active, with hopes high for an imminent ceasefire to facilitate the return of hostages.
An Israeli official told CNN that the proposed agreement includes a 60-day ceasefire, along with the release of 10 living hostages and the repatriation of 18 deceased individuals. This move appears to be part of a broader humanitarian push to bring relief to civilians and resolve one of the most contentious flashpoints in the Middle East.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with the families of the hostages earlier on Thursday and reaffirmed his commitment to the plan, underscoring its urgency and necessity.
Meanwhile, Hamas leadership has acknowledged receipt of the proposal and is currently “responsibly studying it in a way that serves the interests of our people,” suggesting they are cautiously optimistic but noncommittal at this stage. The group’s official statement emphasized a need for the deal to provide “relief” and to advance toward a “permanent ceasefire.”
The proposal represents the most coordinated diplomatic effort in months, with international observers closely watching both sides for concrete responses. If accepted by Hamas, it could signal a major pause in hostilities and set the stage for broader peace negotiations in the region.
As always, Newspot Nigeria will continue monitoring the evolving situation and bring verified updates to our readers as they unfold.
