Hamas agrees to U.S. proposal on Gaza ceasefire, Palestinian official says

 


CAIRO (Reuters) -Hamas has agreed to a proposal by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff for a Gaza ceasefire, a Palestinian official close to the group told Reuters on Monday, paving the way for a possible end to the war.

The new proposal, which sees the release of ten hostages and 70 days of truce, was received by Hamas through mediators.

"The proposal includes the release of ten living Israeli hostages held by Hamas in two groups in return for a 70-day ceasefire and a partial withdrawal from the Gaza Strip," the source said.

The proposal also sees the release of a number of Palestinian prisoners by Israel, including hundreds of those serving lengthy prison terms.

There was no immediate comment from Israel.

(Reporting by Nidal Al-Mughrabi; Writing by Menna Alaa El-Din; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)