U.S. presses Israel and Hamas to accept updated offer for Gaza ceasefire

White House envoy Steve Witkoff has given Israel and Hamas an updated proposal for a Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal and is pressing the parties to accept it, an Israeli official and a source with direct knowledge told Axios.Why it matters: The Trump administration is trying to stave off a massive Israeli operation in Gaza, release more hostages, and allow aid in to prevent starvation and a humanitarian catastrophe.The Israeli military said on Sunday that ground forces began operating in multiple areas in the northern and southern Gaza Strip as part of an operation called "Gideon's Chariots." IDF officials said five infantry and armored divisions are participating in the operation, which includes reoccupying the entire Gaza Strip and flattening it. Behind the scenes: While Israel and Hamas both have negotiation teams in Doha, the real talks about Witkoff's proposal are occurring through other channels at the moment, the sources said.The White House envoy has been talking directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his confidant Ron Dermer, as well as with Hamas leadership in Doha through a backchannel facilitated by Palestinian-American businessman Bishara Bahbah. This backchannel was crucial in securing the release of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander last week. Witkoff's updated offer is similar to previous ones and includes the release of 10 hostages in return for 45-60 days of ceasefire and the release of Palestinian prisoners, according to an Israeli official and a source with direct knowledge of the proposal.But it differs from previous proposals with new language that makes clear the new ceasefire and hostage deal will be the beginning of a broader move that could end the war. The new language is aimed at giving guarantees to Hamas that Netanyahu won't be able to unilaterally decide the ceasefire is over and resume the war, as he did in March. What they're saying: "The new offer tries to give Hamas confidence that it's worth moving forward with a partial deal now, because it could lead to the end of the war later on," a source with knowledge of the negotiations said. The sources said Netanyahu has given a positive response, but with many conditions and reservations. Hamas still hasn't given a positive answer, and sources said the group wants to get a clear guarantee that a temporary ceasefire could lead to a permanent one. "The talks in Doha in recent days are a facade. This is not where the real negotiations are taking place at the moment. If Hamas and Israel agree to the principles of the Witkoff proposal, the negotiations will move to Doha to discuss the details," an Israeli official said.Between the lines: Hamas officials were disappointed that Alexander's release hasn't led to a more favorable U.S. position towards them, a source with knowledge of the issue said. The Israeli strike that targeted Mohammed Sinwar, the leader of Hamas' military wing, created even more frustration inside Hamas' leadership regarding negotiations with the Trump administration. Sinwar is believed to have been killed, along with several other Hamas senior commanders, Israeli officials say. State of play: The Trump administration is also pressing the Israeli government to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza immediately, sources say. Witkoff told ABC's "This Week" on Sunday that Trump is concerned about the humanitarian conditions in Gaza."The Israelis have indicated that they're going to begin to allow a lot more of these trucks to get in," Witkoff said, before adding that the situation is "logistically complicated. And the conditions on the ground are dangerous." But, Witkoff continued: "We do not want to see a humanitarian crisis, and we will not allow it to occur on President Trump's watch."

Comments

World news

60 years after he was hanged, Israel recovers Syrian archive belonging to famous spy

washington times

Comments

Similar News

Most tariffs on U.S. still active, Champagne says in contrast to Oxford Economics report

Zelenskyy Meets U.S., EU Leaders In Rome Ahead Of Trump-Putin Call

Zelenskyy meets U.S., EU leaders in Rome ahead of Trump-Putin call

U.S. may impose regional tariffs as trade deadlines loom, Bessent says

U.S. funding halted Africa’s HIV crisis. Trump’s cuts have forced a reckoning.

Iran to continue nuclear talks with the U.S., shrugging off Trump's threats

Severe storms across central U.S. leave at least 14 dead in Kentucky; 7 dead in Missouri

Moody's cuts U.S. credit rating on growing debt burden

14 dead in Kentucky, 7 in Missouri as possible tornado hits U.S.

Some German tourists, fearing harassment or detention, are avoiding U.S.

U.S. loses AAA credit rating due to rising debt, interest costs: Moody’s

U.S. Supreme Court rejects Trump bid to resume deportations under 1798 law

As U.S. tariffs loom, South Korea talks quietly, Japan talks tough

U.S. trade turbulence is ‘messy’ but will pass, says former governor Nikki Haley

U.S. government considering reality show in which immigrants compete for citizenship

Cross-border shopping: How is surtax collected on U.S. goods at the Canadian border?

Many Canadian campers choosing to camp north of the border this year amid U.S. trade war

University of Calgary launches initiative to explore Canada’s changing relationship with U.S.

Trump says Iran has been given nuclear proposal from the U.S.

Latin American Economies Look to China as U.S. Slashes Aid

World news

60 years after he was hanged, Israel recovers Syrian archive belonging to famous spy

Athletes compete during National Judo Championships to represent Canada at Worlds

Pope Leo XIV greets President Zelensky and JD Vance after inauguration mass

Family of ‘friendly’ chef killed in Bayesian superyacht tragedy ‘want justice for his death and will seek a payout’

Joe Biden cancer explained: What is a Gleason score of 9 and how is it treated?

Centrist wins Romania's tense presidential race over hard-right nationalist

Trump, Harris join Dem, GOP lawmakers in wishing Biden well after cancer diagnoses

Biden prostate cancer diagnosis: Inside the 82-year-old former president’s health history

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer and how common is it as Joe Biden reveals diagnosis

‘The people want to fight’: Western Pennsylvania Democrats lay out future for party under Trump 2.0

Former Canadiens player Chris Nilan to hit the stage in 1-man show about addiction, career, life

Schneider hopeful Jays’ lineup will figure it out

Protesters opposed to agency-ordered cull at ostrich farm prepare for long-term stay

Trump supporters score political points from Biden's cancer diagnosis: 'Democrats knew'

Holidaymakers left 'cowering in their rooms' amid furious Spain anti-tourism protests

Donald Trump issues statement on Joe Biden after ex-President revealed ‘aggressive’ cancer diagnosis

Austrian Eurovision winner JJ receives hero's welcome at Vienna airport

Nicusor Dan Beats George Simion in Romana’s Presidential Election

Gary Lineker to leave the BBC next week and will not host World Cup after Zionism ‘rat’ post

Hungarians rally in mass protest against bill allowing blacklisting of Orban critics

Huge crowd piles pressure on Dutch government to seek an end to Israel's campaign in Gaza

Russia set to launch terrifying missile with 6,200-mile range after huge attack on Ukraine

Donald Trump 'losing patience' with Vladimir Putin ahead of phone call with Moscow

Tributes pour in from across the political spectrum as Joe Biden announces prostate cancer diagnosis

Zimbabwe has a deadly elephant problem

What is pro-mortalism, the belief held by Guy Bartkus?

Mike Pence reveals whether he plans to run in 2028

RFK Jr’s FDA limits use of Covid vaccine

Joe Biden diagnosed with ‘aggressive’ form of prostate cancer

Trump ‘saddened’ to hear about Biden’s cancer diagnosis and sends ‘warm wishes’ from him and Melania

Joe Biden announces prostate cancer diagnosis and reveals Gleason score: Latest updates

Israel launches 'extensive' new ground operations in Gaza as airstrikes kill at least 103 people

Former US President Biden diagnosed with prostate cancer, his office says

Israel to allow 'basic quantity of food' into Gaza to avoid 'starvation crisis'

Former President Joe Biden diagnosed with aggressive form of prostate cancer

Shock election result after it was REDONE due to ‘Russian meddling’ as Europe deals Putin blow in ‘Super Sunday’ votes

Israel says to allow 'basic amount' of food into Gaza after three-month block

Warsaw's liberal mayor leads Polish presidential vote – exit poll

Joe Biden diagnosed with 'aggressive' prostate cancer

Poland Election: Trzaskowski Wins Critical Vote for President

Monday Briefing: Trump and Putin Are Set to Talk

Pakistan Says It Expects Truce to Hold as Hotline to India Stays Open

Biden diagnosed with "aggressive form" of prostate cancer

Israeli Cabinet approves resuming immediate humanitarian aid to Gaza

Code of Silence proves Rose Ayling-Ellis is more than just a Strictly winner

The Bombing of Pan Am 103 is more documentary than drama

Joe Biden diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer

Mexicans will elect a new judiciary June 1. A look at some of the candidates

A Swiss village is evacuated because of a threat of a mudslide

Pope vows to work for unity so Catholic Church becomes a symbol of peace in the world

Argentina votes in local elections that will test President Milei's support

Flights reduced by 40% at Paris-Orly airport after traffic control systems break down

Suicide attacker in Somali capital kills 13 at a military recruitment center

Royal Navy submarine docks in Gibraltar after bombshell comments by Spanish minister

Pope Leo’s heartwarming gesture to babies on his first popemobile ride

Cuts to National Weather Service tested Kentucky office staffing ahead of deadly tornadoes

Al-Qaeda and Hezbollah leaders among terrorists who pay Elon Musk for X subscriptions, study finds