Thu, September 17, 2026
Gaza City (Web Desk): Hamas has agreed to a proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza presented by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, a Palestinian official close to the group told Reuters on Monday.
The proposal, received through mediators, could pave the way for a potential end to the ongoing conflict in the region. According to the official, "The proposal includes the release of ten living Israeli hostages held by Hamas in two groups in return for a 70-day ceasefire and a partial withdrawal from the Gaza Strip."
The source further detailed that the plan involves the release of living captives along with the bodies of several others, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, over two stages.
As part of the arrangement, Israel would release a number of Palestinian prisoners, including hundreds serving lengthy prison terms. There has been no immediate comment from Israeli authorities regarding the proposal.
Meanwhile, the situation on the ground in Gaza remained dire. On Monday, Israeli airstrikes in the northern part of the territory resulted in the deaths of more than 50 people, the majority of whom were women and children. A strike on a family home in Jabalia killed 19 people, while another attack on a school that had been converted into a shelter for displaced civilians resulted in more than 30 fatalities.
The proposal and the ongoing negotiations emerge against the backdrop of a devastating conflict.
Since Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which left 1,200 people dead and 251 taken hostage, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has led to nearly 54,000 Palestinian deaths and extensive destruction across the territory.
Aid agencies have continued to warn of a severe humanitarian crisis, with rising malnutrition and displacement affecting large parts of the civilian population.
The proposed ceasefire offers a rare chance at de-escalation, though its implementation and success will depend on the response and actions of both parties in the days to come.
Neo News | Copyright © 2026
