Israel has said it will respond to international mediators by Friday regarding a new Gaza ceasefire proposal that Hamas has accepted. This comes as pressure mounts for a truce in a war that has killed more than 62,000 Palestinians.
Following large protests in Israel calling for a deal to free the remaining 20 living Israeli hostages in Gaza, Hamas appears to have softened its demands. It has reduced its conditions for a prisoner exchange and scaled back its objections to Israel’s proposed “security buffer zone” in Gaza.
According to reported details of the plan, about half of the remaining living hostages, along with the bodies of those who have died, would be released in stages. In return, Israel would free around 150 Palestinian prisoners, some serving life sentences. This would take place during a proposed 60-day ceasefire.
Although Israel has stated it is no longer interested in a partial deal and has threatened a major new offensive to capture Gaza City, the new ceasefire terms are very similar to a framework previously suggested by Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff.
Despite Israel’s public rejection of a partial agreement, the head of Mossad, David Barnea, recently visited Qatar, suggesting that behind-the-scenes talks may be more active than Israel has acknowledged.
On Tuesday, a spokesperson for Qatar’s foreign ministry said the latest proposal accepted by Hamas is “almost identical” to the earlier plan put forward by Witkoff. The spokesperson added that Hamas had given a “very positive response” and that the terms closely matched what Israel had previously agreed to.
Egypt stated on Monday that it and Qatar had sent the new proposal to Israel and that “the ball is now in its court.”
Reports on Tuesday indicated that Egyptian security officials are pressuring Hamas to agree to a compromise that would address Israel’s demand for Gaza’s demilitarization in any future peace deal. Under this proposal, Hamas would hand over its weapons to Egypt for an unspecified period.
With Hamas on board, attention now turns to Israel, which faces growing international pressure to accept a ceasefire. There is widespread alarm over severe hunger in Gaza, which has spread since Israel imposed a near-total blockade on aid earlier this year.
Although Israel is now allowing some aid into Gaza, the UN human rights office said on Tuesday that it is not enough to prevent mass starvation. A spokesperson stated that the quantities permitted “remain far below what would be required” and that the risk of famine is a “direct result of the Israeli government’s policy of blocking humanitarian aid.”
Israel’s aid coordination agency, Cogat, claims it makes “considerable efforts” to distribute aid, but this is widely disputed internationally.
Meanwhile, any move toward a ceasefire is opposed by Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right coalition partners, who have threatened to bring down his government. However, large-scale protests in Israel demanding a hostage deal are gaining momentum, with more demonstrations planned this weekend.
Israeli media analysts suggested on Tuesday that Netanyahu, who has shifted between supporting and rejecting a partial ceasefire, may soon be forced to make a decision—especially if the White House backs the terms.
Amos Harel wrote in Haaretz that Netanyahu’s position is unpredictable, noting that just two weeks ago he switched from insisting on a partial deal to demanding a comprehensive one. Netanyahu is also facing an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court over alleged war crimes in Gaza. As always, the situation remains fluid.Netanyahu will adjust his arguments and may even quietly support internal opposition, as long as he can avoid signing a deal. However, if circumstances force his hand—whether due to pressure from Trump or intense public protest—he will sign the agreement despite the personal risks involved.
One major risk is the potential collapse of his government and the need to call new elections, especially with his corruption trial set to resume in the fall.
In the center-right newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, Ben-Dror Yemini was highly critical of Netanyahu’s leadership and the dangers of rejecting the proposal. He warned that if Israel says no, it will fall into the trap Hamas has set. Even talk of invading Gaza City has already sparked calls for sanctions against Israel, and an actual military operation would trigger a much stronger backlash.
Yemini emphasized that the situation could deteriorate further. If images of destruction and casualties from an Israeli incursion into Gaza provoke international outrage, doing so after Hamas accepted the Witkoff plan—while Israel refused—would only intensify the reaction. Once again, he concluded, Hamas’s strategy would prove smarter than Israel’s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about Israels response to the Gaza ceasefire proposal designed to be clear and helpful for a range of readers
FAQs Israels Response to the Gaza Ceasefire Proposal
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 What is the basic situation
Hamas has said it accepts a proposed ceasefire deal The world is now waiting to see if Israel will also agree to it Israel has stated it will respond by Friday
2 What is a ceasefire
A ceasefire is a temporary halt in fighting between warring groups Its like a pause button on the conflict often used to allow for talks humanitarian aid or a more permanent peace agreement
3 Why is Israels response a big deal
Their decision will determine whether the war continues with more suffering and casualties or if there is a break in the violence that could lead to a longerterm solution
4 Who made the ceasefire proposal
The proposal was put forward by mediators which include Egypt and Qatar with support from the United States They have been working with both sides to try to find a deal
5 What happens if Israel says yes
If Israel accepts the terms of the proposal would go into effect This typically involves a stop to military operations the release of hostages held by Hamas and the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel often in phases
6 What happens if Israel says no
If Israel rejects the proposal it likely means they will continue their military operation in Gaza This would lead to more fighting casualties and a deepening humanitarian crisis
Advanced Detailed Questions
7 Why would Israel potentially say no to a deal that Hamas accepted
Israels government may view the proposal as not fully meeting its key goals such as the complete dismantling of Hamass military capabilities or the return of all hostages without conditions they find unacceptable
8 What are the main points of disagreement in the proposal
Key sticking points often include
The permanence of the ceasefire Hamas wants a permanent end to the war while Israel may only agree to a temporary pause
The withdrawal of Israeli troops Hamas wants Israeli forces to completely leave Gaza while Israel may want to maintain a security presence
