Confirming the news on Thursday, the White House announced that Israel had agreed to a ceasefire proposal put forward by Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump. This move aimed to secure the release of 58 hostages who have been in Gaza for over 600 days.
According to White House press secretary Karoline Levitt, “Israel gave its approval to this proposal even before it was presented to Hamas.” Levitt also stated, “I can verify that talks are ongoing, and we are optimistic about reaching a ceasefire in Gaza to bring all the hostages back home.”
Hamas reported that the latest proposal they reviewed included the freeing of 10 Israeli hostages and “several bodies” in return for an undisclosed number of Palestinian detainees.
It is unclear if these details were also included in the proposal agreed to by Israel.
Following the release of Edan Alexander, the final American-Israeli hostage still alive in Hamas captivity this month, 58 hostages remain.
American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, left, was released on May 12, 2025. The bodies of four other Americans are still being held in Gaza: Itay Chen, second left, Judy and Gadi Weinstein and Omer Neutra. (Fox News)
An estimated 24 of the hostages are assessed to be alive, though Israeli reporting has suggested this number could be less.
The bodies of four American Israelis taken on Oct. 7, 2023, continue to be held captive, including Itay Chen, Omer Neutra, Gadi Haggai and Judi Weinstein Haggai.
Yonat Frilling contributed to this report.
