Israel accepted a proposal to ceasefire from the United States to Gaza, which, according to Israeli authorities, familiar with the matter, provides a 60-day break in the fighting and the resumption of the distribution of humanitarian aid led by the United Nations in Palestinian territory.
Still, there are no signs that the end of the war of almost 20 months between Israel and Hamas is near. Although Hamas did not officially answer, he criticized the proposal on Thursday night, classifying it as unilateral.
The White House stated that Israel approved the proposal before it was presented to Hamas, but did not disclose the details of the plan. Two Israeli employees confirmed this decision.
According to these sources, which requested anonymity, other terms of the ceasefire proposed by Trump special envoy, Steve Witkoff, include the release of 10 living hosts by Hamas and the return of 18 people who died in captivity.
Israel resumed part of humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza after an 11 -week blockade, trying to exclude Hamas from the process. The return of distribution under the UN leadership would represent the reversal of a previous decision of the Israeli government to marginalize the organization.
The operations of a new NGO called Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) have faced difficulties, including chaotic scenes as multitudes of Palestinians by invading a help distribution center on Tuesday. GHF began distributing limited amounts of supplies this week and says it is increasing the volume of deliveries.
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The US plan also includes negotiations during the truce aiming at a permanent end of hostilities, which began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked the south of Israel, killing 1,200 people and kidnapped about 250.
Since then, more than 54,000 people have died in Gaza, according to the Local Health, controlled by Hamas.
Hamas is classified as a terrorist organization by the US, the European Union and several other countries.
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It is unlikely that the proposal meets the final requirements of any side. Hamas, which defends the destruction of Israel, requires the total removal of the Israeli forces of Gaza. The Israeli government wants the group to disarm and dissolve.
Bassem Naim, a member of Hamas’s leadership, said in a Facebook post on Thursday that the new plan is essentially an Israeli proposal that perpetuates the occupation of Gaza.
Still, Israel’s financial assets rose this week, suggesting that some investors believe that a ceasefire is closer. Shekel valued 2.3% against the dollar, one of the best global performances. In addition, the country’s credit swaps-a sovereign risk indicator-have fallen since last Friday.
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