The United States has proposed a new Middle East ceasefire framework calling for the immediate release of all hostages and the start of negotiations for a comprehensive end to the war, according to two Israeli officials familiar with the discussions. The principles have been conveyed to Hamas.
On Sunday, Hamas confirmed it had received “some ideas” from the US administration via mediators. In a statement, the group said it “welcomes any move that helps efforts to stop the aggression against our people.” Hamas expressed its “immediate readiness to sit at the negotiating table” but stipulated that any deal must include a clear, public, and explicit Israeli commitment to end the war, a full withdrawal of its forces from the Gaza Strip, and the formation of an independent Palestinian committee to administer the territory.
According to one Israeli official, the US proposal requires Hamas to release all 48 hostages on the first day of the ceasefire, in exchange for Israel freezing its assault on Gaza City. The two sides would then begin immediate negotiations for a complete end to the war, with fighting not resuming as long as talks continue. The official added that President Donald Trump would ensure the ceasefire holds while negotiations are ongoing.
On Sunday evening, Trump posted on social media, “Everyone wants the Hostages HOME. Everyone wants this War to end! The Israelis have accepted my Terms. It is time for Hamas to accept as well.” He concluded with what he called his “last warning.” Trump posted the message while attending the US Open in New York, where he was seen with his son-in-law Jared Kushner and US special envoy Steve Witkoff, both of whom have been involved in past Middle East peace talks.
Shortly after the proposal was first reported by Israel’s Channel 12, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issued a statement: “Israel is seriously considering President Trump’s proposal; it appears Hamas will continue its refusal.” The swift response suggests the new initiative was closely coordinated between the US and Israel, who have stressed their close alignment since the collapse of previous negotiation efforts.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum described the new proposal as a “true breakthrough.” “We call on the Government of Israel to declare its unequivocal support for the emerging agreement and to provide President Trump with full backing until every hostage returns home—the living for rehabilitation, and the fallen for a dignified burial in their homeland,” the forum stated.
This development follows weeks in which Netanyahu did not respond to a separate ceasefire proposal from Qatar and Egypt, which Hamas had accepted. That plan, similar to one Netanyahu had previously approved, called for a 60-day ceasefire in exchange for 10 living and 18 deceased hostages, along with the release of Palestinian prisoners. After months of insisting on a partial deal that would allow the war to continue, Netanyahu recently shifted to demanding a comprehensive agreement that meets his maximalist demands. While Hamas has consistently called for a comprehensive end to the war, Israeli officials told CNN they are doubtful the group will accept the latest US proposal.
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