White House envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, has delivered a revised ceasefire and hostage exchange plan to both Israel and Hamas, according to a report published Sunday by Axios, which cited sources from both the Israeli and American sides.
The report noted that the Trump administration is stepping up its diplomatic efforts to stop a full-scale Israeli assault on Gaza. The new proposal reportedly outlines a temporary truce lasting 45 to 60 days, in return for the release of 10 hostages and a group of Palestinian prisoners. Importantly, the language in the document suggests that this could be the start of a larger process aimed at bringing the conflict to an end.
Talks are taking place through indirect channels outside of Doha. Witkoff has been in direct contact with Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu as well as with representatives from Hamas. Axios reported that businessman Bishara Bahbah, a Palestinian-American, is serving as the go-between with Hamas—he’s the same figure who helped mediate the recent release of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander.
According to Israeli officials who spoke to Axios, Netanyahu reacted positively to the framework but laid out several stipulations that would need to be met. Hamas, meanwhile, has not agreed to the terms, insisting on firmer guarantees that a temporary ceasefire could evolve into a long-term cessation of fighting.
A high-ranking Hamas figure told CNN on Sunday that the group is prepared to hand over between seven and nine Israeli captives in return for a 60-day ceasefire and the release of 300 Palestinian terrorists.
Hamas is also demanding that Israeli forces pull back to the eastern side of Salah a-Din Road, a main artery running from northern to southern Gaza.
In addition, the Trump administration is urging Israel to permit greater volumes of humanitarian relief into Gaza. Speaking to ABC News earlier in the day, Witkoff stressed President Trump’s resolve to prevent a humanitarian disaster, saying, “We will not allow it to occur on President Trump’s watch.”

{Matzav.com Israel}