The United States has outlined new principles for a Middle East ceasefire, urging the immediate release of hostages and the launch of negotiations aimed at achieving a full end to the war, according to two Israeli officials familiar with the matter.
The proposal, already passed on to Hamas through mediators, remains somewhat ambiguous, whether it is a set of guiding principles for renewed talks or a complete ceasefire blueprint is still unclear.
On Sunday, Hamas acknowledged receiving “some ideas” from Washington, describing them as steps toward a possible ceasefire and hostage deal. In its statement, the group said it “welcomes any initiative that contributes to halting the aggression against our people,” while reaffirming readiness to enter negotiations.
Hamas insisted that any agreement must guarantee Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza and allow a Palestinian-led committee to administer the territory.
The group also demanded a “public and explicit commitment” from Israel to prevent future reversals of the deal.
According to one Israeli official, the U.S. principles would see Hamas release all 48 hostages on the first day of the ceasefire, while Israel would suspend its assault on Gaza City.
Direct talks for a comprehensive end to the war would then commence, with hostilities paused as long as negotiations continued.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has taken a leading role in the mediation effort, vowed to ensure the ceasefire holds during the talks.
“Everyone wants the hostages home. Everyone wants this war to end!” Trump wrote on social media Sunday night. “The Israelis have accepted my terms. It is time for Hamas to accept as well.” He described the message as his “last warning.”
Trump made the post while attending the U.S. Open in New York, alongside his son-in-law Jared Kushner and envoy Steve Witkoff, both active in Middle East peace efforts.
Shortly after Israel’s Channel 12 reported on the U.S. initiative, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office released a statement noting that Israel was “seriously considering President Trump’s proposal” but suggesting Hamas would remain unwilling.
The timing and wording of the response pointed to close coordination between Washington and Jerusalem.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum welcomed the proposal, calling it a “true breakthrough.”
The group urged Netanyahu’s government to fully support Trump’s effort, stressing the urgent need to bring home both surviving hostages and the remains of the deceased for burial.
This development comes after weeks of stalemate. While Hamas had previously accepted a Qatar- and Egypt-brokered proposal for a 60-day ceasefire in exchange for hostages and prisoner releases, Netanyahu dismissed it despite its similarity to a plan he had earlier endorsed.
Instead, he shifted to demanding a broader, all-encompassing deal that would address Israel’s wider war aims.
Now, with the U.S. pushing its own set of principles, Israeli officials remain uncertain whether Hamas will embrace the plan or reject it outright.