A new ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas appears to be taking shape, with concrete provisions involving the release of Israeli hostages, the return of remains, and commitments toward a gradual de-escalation in Gaza. According to The New York Times, which cites Israeli and Palestinian sources close to the negotiations, the proposed deal is the result of months of behind-the-scenes talks led by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt.
Under the terms currently being discussed, Hamas would release 10 live Israeli hostages and return the bodies of 18 others over a 60-day period, as reported by several Israeli media outlets, with 8 live hostages to be released on day one. This operation would unfold in five distinct phases, in contrast to the U.S. proposal from last May, which called for the release of all hostages in one week.
Another notable development: Hamas would no longer be permitted to publicize the release of hostages, a practice that sparked international outrage during previous truces, when some captives were forced to publicly express "gratitude" toward their captors.
In exchange, Israel would release an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners. No details have been disclosed yet regarding their identities or the selection criteria. Also, humanitarian aid would enter Gaza immediately after the ceasefire, in accordance with the January 19 agreement
In a statement posted Wednesday on its official Telegram channel, Hamas said it was conducting internal consultations on the new ceasefire proposals relayed by the mediators.
“Our mediator brothers are making intense efforts to bring the parties closer together, reach a framework agreement, and begin a serious round of negotiations,” the statement reads, adding that the movement is acting “with a strong sense of responsibility” to “ensure an end to the aggression, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the delivery of emergency aid to our people.”
Meanwhile, CBS News reported that Israeli officials are “open” to a temporary truce, signaling a potential convergence despite ongoing disagreements over the terms of implementation.
U.S. Mediation Revived
U.S. President Donald Trump reignited hopes for a deal by announcing Tuesday via social media that Israel had agreed to the terms of a 60-day ceasefire.
“My representatives held a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today regarding Gaza,” he said. According to him, the two-month period would serve as a framework to “work with all parties to end the war.”
Trump added that “the Qataris and the Egyptians, who have worked tirelessly to bring peace, will present this final proposal,” concluding, “I hope, for the sake of the Middle East, that Hamas accepts this deal, because the situation won’t get better; it will only get worse.”
While the agreement has not yet been finalized, it represents the most tangible progress in weeks, according to Israeli media. They report that international mediators — especially the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt, are continuing their efforts to bring the two sides together, making the coming days potentially decisive.
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