Israel-Hamas Nears 60-Day Ceasefire for Partial Hostage Release

A new potential ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas is advancing, focusing on the phased release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners over a 60-day period. Under the proposed framework, Hamas would release 10 living Israeli hostages and return the remains of 18 others in five separate stages, while Israel would free an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners. This plan represents a shift from earlier proposals, including one by the Trump administration, which called for the release of all hostages within the first week of a ceasefire, and notably excludes televised hostage handover events to avoid past controversies. The United States has provided stronger assurances that the ceasefire will continue as long as serious negotiations are ongoing, aiming to prevent unilateral resumption of hostilities. Israeli officials, including Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, express cautious optimism and emphasize the importance of sustained international pressure on Hamas, which is currently reviewing the new proposals with mediation from Egypt and Qatar. President Donald Trump highlighted the U.S. involvement and the importance of the deal, noting ongoing efforts to bring peace amid the conflict.