The US has proposed a new Middle East ceasefire principle that calls for the immediate release of all hostages and the launch of negotiations for the comprehensive purpose of the war, according to two Israeli officials familiar with the debate.
The principles were passed on to Hamas, officials said. It is unclear whether the plan is a set of principles or guidelines to resume negotiations or a complete ceasefire plan.
Hamas confirmed on Sunday that it had been received through “some ideas” through mediators, with the aim of reaching the Gaza ceasefire and reaching a hostage deal with Israel.
In a statement, the group said “we welcome any moves to support efforts to stop attacks on our people.”
Hamas emphasized that he is “quickly ready to sit at the negotiation table” to discuss the release of all Israeli hostages in exchange for what is described as a clear Israeli commitment to end the war. Includes the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip and the formation of an independent Palestinian commission to control the territory.
Hamas stressed that “public and explicit commitments” from Israel must be included to ensure that the contract is not later revoked or ignored.
According to one Israeli official, the principle calls for Hamas to release all 48 hostages on the first day of the ceasefire, and Israel to freeze attacks on Gaza city. Under the proposal, Israel and Hamas will begin immediate negotiations for the comprehensive purpose of the war, officials said, and that combat will not resume as long as consultations continue. President Donald Trump will ensure that the ceasefire will be maintained as long as negotiations continue, officials said.
“Everyone wants a hostage house. Everyone wants to end this war!” Trump posted on social media on Sunday evening. “The Israelis have accepted my terms, and it’s time to accept Hamas as well,” Trump said this would be his “last warning.”
Trump posted while attending the US Open in Flushing, New York. He was seen along with his son-in-law Jared Kushner and his special envoy of the United States, Steve Witkoff.
“Israel is seriously considering President Trump’s proposal. Hamas appears to be continuing to reject it,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement.
Netanyahu’s quick response strongly suggests that the new proposal has been closely coordinated between the US and Israel.
CNN contacted the White House for additional details and Hamas for comment.
Both the US and Israel have repeatedly emphasized close coordination between the two countries, particularly after a surprising withdrawal from the final round of the ceasefire talks disrupted negotiation efforts.
In response to the latest news of the proposal, the Hostages and Missing Family Forum has issued a strong statement in support of the US efforts, calling it a “real breakthrough.”
“We are urging the Israeli government to declare clear support for the emerging agreement and to provide full support to President Trump until all hostages make a living for rehabilitation and all hostages who have fallen for the dignified burial of their homeland return,” the Forum said.
Netanyahu did not respond to the ceasefire proposal proposed by Qatar and Egypt, which Hamas had accepted. The proposal, which reflected one of Netanyahu’s people, had accepted just a month ago, but called for a 60-day ceasefire in exchange for 10 living hostages and 18 dead hostages. In exchange, Israel releases many Palestinian prisoners.
After Israel insisted that it would only accept partial deals that would allow Israel to continue the war, Netanyahu suddenly demanded a comprehensive deal that would meet his greatest demands.
Hamas sought a proposal that would bring an inclusive purpose to the war in exchange for the release of hostages. Israeli officials told CNN they doubted whether Hamas would accept the proposal.
CNN’s Alayna Treene, Samantha Waldenberg and Mohammed Tawfeeq contributed to this report.
