Fern Sidman

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Thursday that Israel has accepted a hostage release and ceasefire plan from U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. The deal calls for a 60-day truce. During that time, Hamas would free ten living captives and return the remains of 18 others.

Netanyahu spoke to bereaved families of the hostages, as reported by World Israel News. He said Israel accepted the proposal in principle but doubted Hamas would honor it. “We don’t believe that Hamas would return all of the hostages,” he said.

He vowed to keep fighting until Hamas is eliminated. “We will remain in the Gaza Strip until all the hostages are in our hands,” he added.

Hamas has rejected the current draft. The group calls it “biased” and “unacceptable.” Yet Hamas officials say they might reconsider if Israel pulls back to its March positions in Gaza.

Another sticking point is aid distribution. Hamas demands that future aid meet international standards. This targets the U.S.–backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Critics say that foundation limits access and favors Israeli control over relief efforts.

Hamas also wants the 60-day truce tied to a path toward a permanent end to hostilities. They fear Israel could resume its campaign if talks stall.

Israeli officials insist the pause is only tactical. They view the ceasefire as a tool to free hostages, not a strategic concession. They say military operations will resume if Hamas fails its obligations.

An Israeli source told World Israel News, “The ceasefire is a tactical pause to bring our people home. But the mission to defeat Hamas is far from over.”

Envoy Witkoff, who worked with Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, remains optimistic. He believes Hamas will eventually agree. So far, that optimism has not led to progress.

Hamas criticizes Witkoff for not consulting its Qatari and Egyptian mediators. Talks are set to continue in the coming days. International mediators hope to close the gaps.

An Al Arabiya report claimed a final agreement was reached. Israeli officials denied it. A senior source in the Prime Minister’s Office called that report “completely inaccurate.”

Netanyahu faces pressure from right-wing coalition partners. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich opposes any ceasefire. “This is madness,” Smotrich said. “A partial deal throws Hamas a lifeline.”

For hostage families, the Witkoff plan offers hope. Many support any deal that brings their loved ones home, even if combat pauses only briefly.

The proposal’s fate is unclear. Israel has endorsed it, but Hamas seeks major changes. The next few days will show if diplomacy can provide a temporary respite in this deadly conflict.