The United States confirmed that Israel has agreed to a proposed 60-day ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, alongside a mutual release of hostages, while awaiting a formal response from Hamas.
During a Thursday press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced Israel’s endorsement of the plan, which was presented to Hamas by U.S. Presidential Envoy Steven Vitkoff.
Leavitt stated that the ceasefire proposal was sent to Hamas, “which Israel has supported and approved.”
“Israel supported this proposal before it was sent to Hamas,” she added, emphasizing that discussions surrounding the proposal are still in progress.
According to Leavitt, Hamas has not yet accepted the terms. In a statement to the Associated Press, Hamas confirmed receipt of the proposal and said it is “considering it responsibly in order to serve the interests of our people, provide relief, and achieve a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.”
The plan involves a two-month cessation of hostilities in Gaza in return for the exchange of hostages—those held by Hamas and detainees in Israeli prisons. However, Vitkoff’s plan does not reportedly include explicit commitments from the United States to transition the temporary truce into a permanent peace agreement.
