Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Proposal: Key Points

A 60-day ceasefire proposal, reported by The New York Times and mediated by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, is aimed at securing the release of hostages held in Gaza. The proposed deal includes the following elements:
• Hamas would release 10 living Israeli hostages and return 18 bodies, delivered in five phases.
• In exchange, Israel would release an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners.
• Unlike previous agreements, Hamas has agreed to forgo filmed handovers.
• The plan also calls for expanded humanitarian aid to Gaza, potentially coordinated by the United Nations.

Prime Minister Netanyahu insists that Hamas must be defeated before any ceasefire can take effect. Hamas, on the other hand, is demanding that the truce lead to a permanent end to the war—an outcome Israel currently rejects.

Approximately 20 hostages and more than 30 bodies are still believed to be held in Gaza.