Have Israel and Hamas agreed to Gaza ceasefire? What's the confusion?

Conflicting reports have emerged over whether a new ceasefire and hostage deal between Hamas and Israel is on the verge of being finalised.

On Monday, a Palestinian official familiar with Hamas’ position stated that the group had agreed to a proposal relayed by US special envoy Steve Witkoff .

According to this official, the offer involves the release of 10 Israeli hostages held by Hamas — in two phases — in exchange for a 70-day ceasefire and a partial withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip.

The agreement, reportedly delivered to Hamas through mediators, also includes the release of a number of Palestinian prisoners by Israel, including many serving long-term sentences.

However, these claims were quickly rejected by both Israeli and US officials. Witkoff himself told Reuters the plan being referenced was “completely unacceptable” and denied that Hamas had accepted any deal he authored.

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He pointed out that the plan circulating was not his own. “What I have seen is completely unacceptable,” Witkoff reiterated to CNN. “That deal is on the table. Hamas should take it.”

A senior Israeli official echoed this sentiment, calling the reported framework “impossible for any Israeli government to accept.” The official further described the terms as undermining Israel’s ability to secure the release of its citizens and defeat Hamas militarily.

The Israeli government insists that any ceasefire must be temporary and tied directly to the release of hostages — not a step toward a permanent cessation of hostilities under current conditions.

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What are the key terms of the reported proposal

While the specifics of the deal remain disputed, various reports have outlined several proposed elements.  Palestinian sources claim the following points are under consideration:

• A 70-day ceasefire, negotiated through mediators, with American supervision.

• The release of 10 Israeli hostages, five on the first day of the agreement and another five after 60 days.

• Israeli withdrawal to positions it held two months prior.

• Comprehensive humanitarian aid entry into Gaza.

• A phased prisoner exchange, with Israel releasing hundreds of Palestinian inmates.

Some reports also mention symbolic gestures such as the deal being signed by senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya and US envoy Witkoff, followed by a handshake — a condition rejected outright by Israeli officials.

An earlier version of the deal, reportedly suggested by Hamas, called for a 90-day ceasefire. This was countered by a 60-day proposal from the US, with both sides eventually settling on a 70-day duration in the latest iteration, according to sources cited by the Lebanese network Al-Mayadeen and Egypt’s Al-Rad.

Despite the multiple versions circulating, Israeli leadership insists that the proposal diverges significantly from the US-initiated framework they are willing to consider.

“It is inconceivable that Hamas would decide whether we receive another five hostages two months from now, while we are forced to negotiate how we receive the bodies of others during that period,” said an Israeli official. “No government in Israel would agree to this.”

How ceasefire talks have fared so far

Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy appointed by US President Donald Trump, has emerged as a key figure in the latest mediation attempts. Speaking to CNN, Witkoff stated that he would oversee the negotiations for a permanent ceasefire if an initial temporary truce and hostage release deal is accepted.

“Israel will agree to a temporary ceasefire/hostage deal that would see half of the living and half of the deceased return and lead to substantive negotiations to find a path to a permanent ceasefire, which I have agreed to preside over,” he said.

Witkoff clarified that while Hamas has not yet accepted his version of the deal, the offer remains open. Meanwhile, Bishara Bahbah, a Palestinian-American businessman with past ties to Trump’s 2024 campaign, has served as an unofficial backchannel, reported CNN.

Bahbah has met with Hamas officials in Doha and has reportedly played a key role in coordinating the proposal now under discussion.

Trump himself addressed the crisis, stating, “We want to see if we can stop it. We spoke with Israel, and we want to see if we can stop this whole situation as soon as possible.”

However, according to US officials speaking to CNN, Witkoff has not held direct talks with Hamas. The lack of direct communication has contributed to confusion over the authenticity and status of the proposal in question.

What the current situation in Gaza is

Even as ceasefire talks continue, the situation on the ground has grown more volatile. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have issued evacuation orders for much of southern Gaza, including the entire city of Khan Younis and its surroundings.

The orders direct civilians to relocate to Al-Mawasi, a narrow stretch along the Mediterranean, which is already overcrowded and lacking infrastructure.

IDF spokesperson Avichay Adree described Khan Younis as a “dangerous fighting zone that has been warned several times.” According to Israeli military officials, the IDF now intends to occupy up to 75 per cent of Gaza within two months as part of its expanded campaign.

The Philadelphi Corridor — a 14-kilometre buffer zone along the Gaza-Egypt border — is reportedly already under Israeli control.

With five divisions currently operating inside the strip, Israeli forces are pushing deeper into Palestinian territory. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, visiting troops in Khan Younis, told them, “You are fighting on the central front of the state of Israel. This is a prolonged, multi-arena war.”

Earlier this week, three rockets were fired from southern Gaza. Two fell within the territory itself, while a third was intercepted. Hamas has claimed that Israel’s intensified military activity now controls roughly 77 per cent of the territory, either directly or by cutting off civilian access to homes and essential areas.

How international pressure is mounting

As the humanitarian toll mounts — with nearly 54,000 Palestinians killed according to Gaza health officials and widespread reports of severe malnutrition — Israel faces growing international scrutiny.

The war began after Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and abducting 251 hostages, according to Israeli counts.

In recent weeks, allies such as the United Kingdom, Canada and France have increased pressure on Israel.

London has paused trade negotiations and sanctioned violent settlers in the West Bank,  while Paris and Ottawa have warned of sanctions. The European Union is reviewing its longstanding trade agreement with Israel.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz added to the criticism, stating on national broadcaster ARD, “The actions of the Israeli military in Gaza can no longer be justified on the grounds of a fight against Hamas terrorism.”

Still, not all voices are critical. US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem met with Netanyahu over the weekend and expressed support for the Israeli government’s handling of the war.

According to the Israeli Government Press Office, she praised Netanyahu’s leadership during her visit.

Where the ceasefire talks stand

Despite the public rhetoric, little tangible progress appears to have been made in the negotiations.

Two Israeli officials told CNN that there has been “no progress” in the talks and that “Hamas continued to hold firm in its refusal.” One clarified that any breakthrough “could happen only if Hamas aligns with the Israeli position.”

Netanyahu also addressed the issue on social media, saying, “I very much hope we’ll have something to announce on that front. And if not today, then tomorrow – we are not giving up.”

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With inputs from agencies