Israeli Official Calls Latest Hamas Ceasefire Proposal ‘Workable’ Amid U.S. Diplomatic Push

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Israel is reviewing a fresh ceasefire proposal submitted by Hamas, and according to a senior Israeli official, the plan appears “workable.” While details remain undisclosed, the acknowledgment marks a rare moment of optimism in a war that has dragged on since Hamas’ deadly attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the government is taking the proposal seriously and assessing its potential to bring the hostilities to an end.

Hamas confirmed that it had sent the proposal to mediators, and the timing coincides with the arrival of U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, who is heading to Europe to meet with key Middle Eastern leaders. Witkoff’s mission is to push forward negotiations on both the ceasefire terms and the release of hostages still held in Gaza.

Meanwhile, tensions continue to flare in the West Bank. On Wednesday night, Israeli forces shot and killed two Palestinian teenagers near the town of Al-Khader. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the teens were throwing Molotov cocktails toward a highway. Palestinian health officials identified the deceased as 15-year-old Ahmed Al-Salah and 17-year-old Mohammed Khaled Alian Issa.

Since the October 2023 Hamas attack, violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank has surged. According to the United Nations (UN), over 955 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire, many during what Israel describes as counter-terror operations aimed at dismantling militant infrastructure.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, prominent American Jewish organizations have publicly urged Israel to investigate the rising violence carried out by Israeli settlers against Palestinians. In a joint statement, the Central Conference of American Rabbis, the Union for Reform Judaism, and the American Conference of Cantors condemned the killing of Sayfollah Musallet, a Palestinian-American from Florida who was allegedly beaten to death by settlers while visiting the West Bank. These groups have called for a full investigation and expressed concern that the current Israeli leadership may be failing to rein in radical settler elements.

American institutions continue to monitor the Middle East closely, particularly in the wake of growing humanitarian concerns. More than 59,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza since the war began, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, though the figures do not distinguish between civilians and militants.

With the Israeli government now seriously considering a proposal it views as potentially viable, and with diplomatic channels reactivating through U.S. engagement, the door to a ceasefire may finally be opening. However, any lasting peace will depend not only on the terms agreed between leaders but on broader stability across both Gaza and the West Bank.