The White House said Israel had agreed to a new US proposal for a temporary ceasefire with Hamas.
New optimism for a temporary truce came after US President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, earlier this week expressed hope for an agreement that would end the conflict between Israel and Hamas and lead to the return of more hostages taken in the recent attack.
White House press secretary Carolyn Leavitt told reporters that Israel “supported and approved” the new proposal. She added that Hamas was continuing to review the proposal.
The new proposal seeks the return of both surviving and deceased hostages still in the Gaza Strip in exchange for a long-term end to hostilities.
Hamas said it had agreed with Mr Witkoff on “the basic principles” of a deal that would lead to a lasting cease-fire, a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, humanitarian aid and a transfer of power from the militant group to a politically independent Palestinian committee.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the war would not be over until all hostages were freed and Hamas was destroyed or disarmed and expelled.
He also said Israel would control Gaza indefinitely and would facilitate what he called the voluntary emigration of a significant portion of the local population.
Palestinians and much of the international community have rejected ideas about relocating Gaza's population, arguing it would violate international law, according to experts.
Hamas has said it will release the remaining hostages – its only means of leverage – only in exchange for more Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal.
He proposed handing over power to a committee of politically independent Palestinians that could oversee reconstruction.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
