Israeli officials confirmed Sunday night that Israel is giving serious consideration to the ceasefire and hostage deal proposal from US President Donald Trump, though they said Hamas is likely to remain defiant. The proposal on the table is a comprehensive deal that would see all hostages released in exchange for the freeing of thousands of imprisoned terrorists, alongside Trump-led talks on ending the war.
US officials have conveyed to Hamas that this is the final offer before a full IDF takeover of the Gaza Strip. “Take it, or Israel will take everything,” one message said. The proposal was first relayed through mediators last month.
In recent weeks, following Israel’s demand for a complete hostage deal, Washington refined its offer. The framework begins with the known “Witkoff framework” but incorporates new elements on reconstruction and an end to the war. It was adjusted in response to Hamas’ feedback during talks in Cairo and in direct exchanges with the Americans.
As Israel Hayom reported Saturday, Washington and Hamas have re-established direct channels. One is through the Witkoff team, which delivers the president’s official positions and warnings. Hamas leaders have been cautioned that if they murder additional hostages, their senior figures abroad risk immediate assassination.
Trump with Witkoff. Photo: AP
Another channel runs through American businessman Bishara Bahbah, who has re-entered the picture, passing along the same messages but in softer language and with semi-official assurances. A further track involves left-wing Israeli activist Gershon Baskin, who previously helped mediate the Gilad Shalit deal. While Baskin has repeatedly offered his services since the war began, Israel does not trust him due to his opposition to government policy and his past promotion of Palestinian positions. US willingness to let him in reflects frustration with other channels, but Israeli officials caution against placing hope in this track.
The more significant development may be in Hamas’ recent messages to Egypt. Under mounting military pressure and fearing a full Israeli takeover of Gaza City, Hamas did not reject raising issues related to ending the war. During a ceasefire, discussions would cover the conditions for a final settlement. Hamas also signaled some willingness to respond to Israel’s demands regarding hostages, civilian control in Gaza and the entry of supplies. From the start of the war, Israel has insisted Hamas provide details on the hostages’ condition, allow the transfer of food and medicine, permit medical treatment, and allow visits by the International Committee of the Red Cross.
The IDF operates in Zeitoun. Photo: IDF Spokesperson’s Unit IDF Spokesperson’s Unit
American officials say Hamas’ shift shows growing flexibility, though the terrorist organization still refuses to discuss the most critical issues: disarmament and the placement of Gaza under international and Arab control.
The core of the proposal envisions a ceasefire leading to the release of some hostages under a slightly modified Witkoff framework, which Israel accepted but Hamas rejected. That plan included releasing half the living and deceased hostages. Negotiations during the ceasefire would address all terms for ending the war. A key innovation is that civilian administration of Gaza under an international framework would begin during the truce, before final agreements are reached, removing Hamas’ control over this sphere.
Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip
The goal is to separate Gaza’s civilians from Hamas, end the terrorist organization’s exploitation of aid shipments, and begin reconstruction. Another important element is preventing Hamas terrorists from entering areas Israel would withdraw from under the agreement. Discussions are underway on who would enforce this, with options including Palestinian forces trained in Egypt and international troops. Israel is reluctant but open to some arrangements. The American proposal aligns with Israel’s recent creation of humanitarian zones in central and southern Gaza, supported by the UN, international groups, and Arab states such as the United Arab Emirates and Jordan. Hamas would be barred from these areas, as well as others controlled by local clans.
Hamas has so far given only partial responses to the American proposals. But, officials expect more flexibility from the terrorist organization once Israel launches its full offensive and IDF troops advance further into Gaza City.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum welcomed Trump’s involvement, saying: “President Trump has offered a comprehensive deal for the release of all 48 hostages, immediate cessation of the war for the duration of negotiations, and his personal guarantee. This is a historic step without precedent. The deal would pave the way for a wider regional settlement, bring all the hostages home, allow soldiers and reservists to return to their families and livelihoods, and enable Israel to move toward security and closure after nearly two years of war. We call on the Israeli government to give full backing to the president until every hostage is home, the living for rehabilitation and the fallen for proper burial in Israel.”
