Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Sept 8: Israel is "seriously considering" a U.S.-brokered ceasefire proposal aimed at halting the conflict in Gaza and securing the release of Israeli hostages, an Israeli official confirmed Sunday.

Speaking anonymously, the official said the plan—described as “President Donald Trump’s proposal”—was formally presented to Hamas over the weekend, according to Xinhua News Agency.

Under the reported terms, as revealed by Israel’s Channel 12, Israel would call off its ongoing military push into Gaza City. In exchange, all 48 hostages still held by Hamas—including roughly 20 believed to be alive—would be released on the first day of the ceasefire. Thousands of Palestinian prisoners would also be freed. Following the swap, formal negotiations to end the war would commence under Trump’s mediation, with the ceasefire maintained throughout the talks.

In a late Sunday statement, Hamas acknowledged receiving multiple U.S. proposals and expressed readiness to engage in negotiations. The group said it was prepared to sit down "immediately" to discuss the release of all captives—provided there is a clear commitment to ending the war, full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the establishment of an interim governing body led by independent Palestinians.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which represents the relatives of those still held in Gaza, publicly urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to support the deal. "We call on the Israeli government to announce its unconditional support for the emerging agreement," the group stated.

So far, Netanyahu has remained silent, including on a previous partial deal approved by Hamas in August that also aimed to initiate a phased release of hostages.

Meanwhile, Trump, posting on his Truth Social platform, claimed Israel had agreed to his terms and warned Hamas of consequences if they refuse. “The Israelis have accepted my terms. It is time for Hamas to accept as well,” he wrote.

On the ground, the humanitarian toll continues to climb. Israeli forces resumed military operations in Gaza on March 18. According to Gaza’s health ministry, at least 11,911 Palestinians have been killed and over 50,000 injured since then. The total death toll since October 2023 has now reached 64,455, with 162,776 wounded.

The proposed ceasefire may now hinge on whether Hamas agrees to the terms—and whether Netanyahu chooses to endorse a deal that could reshape the course of the conflict.