Steve Witkoff, the special envoy appointed by United States President Donald Trump, has introduced a revised proposal for a hostage release and ceasefire deal with Hamas. Delivered to Israel overnight Wednesday, the plan outlines a 60-day pause in hostilities to negotiate an end to the conflict, with Israel retaining the right to resume military action if talks fail at the end of the deal. Within the first week of the truce, Hamas would release 9-10 living hostages and the remains of 18 deceased individuals in two stages.
After the 60-day ceasefire, Israel could opt to pursue further negotiations for additional hostage releases. The proposal shifts humanitarian aid distribution back to the United Nations, moving away from the current US-managed system. It also requires the Israel Defense Forces to withdraw from areas captured since the start of Operation Strength and Sword.
Video: Witkoff speaks about the latest efforts
Several challenges complicate the proposal. The limited number of hostages to be released and Hamas's demand to control aid distribution through the United Nations raise concerns in Israel. Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich, among others in the government, is expected to oppose any deviation from Witkoff's original framework.
The demand for Israel to withdraw from territories seized during Operation Strength and Sword also requires extensive discussion within the Diplomatic-Security Cabinet. Ministers in the forum contend that Hamas has already been under pressure due to the IDF's advances and the new distribution mechanism and thus Israel should insist on the original Witkoff deal.
