ISLAMABAD: The United States has presented a new set of ceasefire principles aimed at halting Israel’s war on Gaza, according to two Israeli officials familiar with the talks.
The proposal, according to CNN, was conveyed to Hamas through mediators, calling for the immediate release of all hostages and the start of negotiations for a comprehensive end to the conflict.
Hamas on Sunday confirmed receiving “some ideas” from the US administration. In a statement, the group said it welcomed “any move that helps efforts to stop the aggression” against Palestinians and expressed readiness to negotiate. But Hamas stressed any agreement must include a “public and explicit commitment” from Israel to end the war, fully withdraw its forces from Gaza, and allow a Palestinian-led body to administer the enclave.
One Israeli official said the plan envisions Hamas releasing all 48 hostages on the first day of a ceasefire, with Israel freezing its assault on Gaza City. Negotiations would then begin immediately for a lasting end to the war. Fighting would remain suspended as long as talks continued, with US President Donald Trump personally guaranteeing the ceasefire’s enforcement.
“Everyone wants the Hostages HOME. Everyone wants this War to end!” Trump wrote on social media on Sunday evening. He claimed Israel had already accepted his terms, adding: “It is time for Hamas to accept as well.” Trump warned this was his “last warning” to the group.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office swiftly responded that Israel was “seriously considering President Trump’s proposal,” signalling tight coordination between Washington and Tel Aviv. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum also endorsed the plan, describing it as a “true breakthrough” and urging Netanyahu to give Trump full backing.
Hamas and Israel have previously traded accusations of intransigence in talks mediated by Qatar and Egypt. While Hamas accepted a 60-day truce proposal earlier this year, Netanyahu rejected it, demanding a broader deal that would meet Israel’s maximalist objectives.
Whether Hamas will accept the latest US plan remains uncertain. Israeli officials told CNN they doubted the group would agree without guarantees of a permanent end to the war.
