On Monday, sources informed Al Jazeera that Hamas had agreed to a ceasefire proposal brokered by Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy, during a meeting in Doha. The draft agreement reportedly entails a 60-day cessation of hostilities, alongside the release of ten Israeli captives—five at the outset and five more on the final day of the truce. The bodies of several deceased hostages would also be returned. In exchange, Israel would release an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners.

Notably, the deal includes provisions for the immediate and unconditional delivery of humanitarian aid, as well as the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. It is said that former US President Donald Trump would act as guarantor of the agreement. Witkoff has forwarded the draft to the Israeli government and is awaiting its response.

In a recorded address posted to social media on Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said he “very much hoped” to deliver developments in Israel’s campaign against Hamas and the release of hostages “today, and if not today, then tomorrow.”

However, according to the Israeli Broadcasting Authority, citing an official source, Hamas has agreed to a formula that differs from the one acceptable to Israel, casting doubt over the prospects for an immediate breakthrough.

Al Jazeera