Israel agrees to U.S. ceasefire plan as Hamas reviews offer

Israel has agreed to a U.S. ceasefire proposal for Gaza, the White House said on Thursday, while Hamas said it was reviewing the plan, though its terms did not meet the group's demands.

Israeli media reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told families of hostages held in Gaza that Israel had accepted a deal presented by U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff.

Netanyahu's office did not confirm the reports, but White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told reporters in Washington that Israel had signed off on the proposal. She did not provide details on its contents.

An Israeli official and a U.S. source familiar with the case confirmed to CBS News that the proposed deal includes not only a 60-day ceasefire but also plans to release 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 deceased hostages.

Hamas said on Thursday that its leadership had received a new Gaza ceasefire proposal from Witkoff through mediators and was studying it.

Basem Naim, a member of Hamas's political bureau, said the Israeli position failed to address key Palestinian demands, including a complete cessation of hostilities and lifting the long-standing blockade on Gaza.

Naim said the proposal would allow "the occupation" and humanitarian suffering to continue, even during any temporary truce.

"Nevertheless, the movement's leadership is evaluating the proposal with a sense of national responsibility, particularly in light of the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis facing the Palestinian people," he said.

Deep differences between Hamas and Israel have stalled previous attempts to restore a ceasefire that broke down in March after only two months.

Israel has insisted that Hamas disarm completely and be dismantled as both a military and governing force, and that all 58 hostages still held in Gaza must be returned before it will agree to end the conflict.

Hamas has rejected the demand to give up its weapons and says Israel must withdraw its troops from Gaza and commit to ending the conflict.

Israel has faced growing international pressure, with many European countries – normally reluctant to criticize it openly – demanding an end to the war and a major relief effort.

Israel launched its campaign in Gaza in response to the Hamas attack in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage into Gaza, according to Israeli tallies.

The campaign has killed more than 54,000 Palestinians, Gaza health officials say, and left the enclave in ruins.

(With input from agencies)