Overview

• Israel accepted US envoy Steve Witkoff’s ceasefire draft, endorsing a 60-day truce with guarantees against immediate resumption of hostilities
• The deal calls for release of around ten living hostages and several bodies in exchange for over 1,100 Palestinian prisoners and daily UN-run aid convoys
• Hamas officials, including Bassem Naim, are reviewing the plan but argue it fails to secure a permanent halt to the war, Israeli withdrawal or famine-relief commitments
• UN OCHA spokesperson Jens Laerke warned that Gaza’s entire civilian population remains at risk of famine despite initial aid shipments under the new system
• Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir called for a resumed offensive after Hamas balked at the proposal, underscoring deep political divides over the ceasefire approach