Dramatic Saudi Report: “Hamas and Israel Agreed to a Ceasefire” – U.S.: “Hamas Has Not Responded”
An urgent report from Saudi media suggests that Hamas and Israel have reached an agreement for a 60-day ceasefire, following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement of Israel’s acceptance of an updated proposal from U.S. envoy Steve Wittkoff. The report indicates that U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to announce details shortly. However, Hamas quickly denied that any agreement had been finalized.
Ceasefire Announcement Sparks Celebrations and Doubts
Celebrations erupted in the Gaza Strip as news spread of a potential ceasefire, but no confirmation emerged from other sources, especially from Israeli authorities. A political source stated, “Contrary to reports, Israel does not recognize Hamas’s agreement to the Wittkoff proposal.” Meanwhile, a security discussion involving Netanyahu, along with top ministers and security officials, focused on negotiations for the release of hostages.
The Al-Aqsa TV network, affiliated with Hamas, tempered expectations by announcing, “Hamas is still evaluating the proposal, and there is no truth to the claims of an agreement reached.” Shortly after the Al-Arabiya report, it was claimed that Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya would hold a press conference, though this report was also denied.
Details of the Proposed Ceasefire
According to sources, Hamas may demand amendments to a clause requiring a six-hour daily ceasefire, backing away from earlier consent to a full ceasefire. Reports from the Quds network stated that “Hamas leadership is still reviewing the proposal.”
U.S. White House spokesperson Caroline Levitt confirmed that discussions are ongoing: “I can confirm that Special Envoy Wittkoff and the President presented a ceasefire proposal to Hamas, which Israel supported prior to its submission. We hope a ceasefire can be achieved in Gaza so that all hostages can be returned home-this has been the administration’s top priority from the outset.” When asked if Hamas accepted the proposal, Levitt responded, “As far as I know, no, but should that happen, you will hear it directly from me and the President.”
During a meeting with families of hostages, Netanyahu indicated that Israel accepts the proposal. However, in an official statement, Hamas said, “The leadership of the movement received the new proposal from the mediators and is responsibly examining it while safeguarding our people’s interests and humanitarian aid, aiming for a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.”
Proposed Agreements and Releases
The proposed plan includes an announcement of a 60-day ceasefire. In two phases within start week, 10 hostages and 18 bodies are set to be released. It is noted that, of the 58 hostages in Gaza, Israel claims that 20 are confirmed alive while “up to 38” could be deceased.
Negotiations are expected to continue during the ceasefire period to discuss ending the conflict. If an agreement on ceasefire principles is achieved, further discussions will lead to the release of the remaining living hostages and the deceased. If no agreement is reached, Israel retains the capacity to resume hostilities.
Additionally, the proposed terms outline that Israel will release 125 long-term prisstartrs and 1,111 Palestinians detained after October 7. Furthermore, Israel is to return 180 bodies of militants over two phases. By the tenth day of the ceasefire, Hamas is expected to provide a comprehensive list detailing the medical status of all living hostages in Gaza.
If the proposal is finalized, President Trump is anticipated to announce the ceasefire, with the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt acting as guarantors of the agreement. It is reported that the United Nations will resume its role in delivering humanitarian aid to Palestinians, and Israel will revert to pre-operation boundaries while remaining engaged in specific areas.
Market Reactions to Ceasefire News
Reports of a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas have already influenced the markets and foreign exchange activities. The Israeli shekel has strengthened significantly against the dollar, trading at 3.48 shekels, the lowest it has been in two and a half years, down from a previous rate of 3.51 shekels earlier in the day. Concurrently, the euro is trading around 3.95 shekels after its earlier official rate was set at 3.96.
As developments unfold, the international community continues to watch closely, hoping for a resolution to the ongoing conflict