The United States of America has confirmed that Israel has expressed its support for the American initiative to establish a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip
At the same time, officials in Washington emphasize that they are currently awaiting an official response from the governing body of the Palestinian movement Hamas — as they are the key participants in this multifaceted diplomatic process. White House spokesperson Caroline Levitt stated during a briefing on Thursday that the United States had proposed to Israel a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, along with an initiative to free hostages and other detainees held by Hamas militants. According to her, this plan was presented through the U.S. President’s special envoy, Steven Vitkoff, and Israel supported and agreed to the proposal even before it was formally communicated to Hamas. "Israel supported this initiative even before it was sent to the Palestinian side," Levitt clarified. "Negotiations are ongoing, and additional time and opportunities are being provided to discuss the details." She also stressed that, according to available information, Hamas has not yet given final approval to the proposal. According to the White House spokesperson, in response to these diplomatic steps, the Palestinian group promptly issued an official statement via the AFP agency, in which it promised to consider the proposal "with maximum responsibility" to serve the interests of its people, ensure humanitarian aid deliveries, and achieve a long-term ceasefire in Gaza. The statement indicates that Hamas aims to find a lasting solution that will bring an end to the conflict as quickly as possible. The plan proposed by Vitkoff involves establishing a temporary ceasefire regime in the region for a period of 60 days. During this time, mutual release of held Hamas militants and hostages, who are still in the hands of Israeli forces, would take place. However, the specifics of the proposal lack concrete guarantees ensuring that the transitional period will be a first step toward establishing long-term peace and halting hostilities in Gaza. Previously, American diplomatic circles expressed optimism about a swift breakthrough in negotiations, predicting that agreements could be reached quite soon. Media reports indicated that the U.S. is working to intensify diplomatic efforts to stop the conflict’s repercussions and find a path toward a more stable situation in the region. Overall, the current developments suggest an intense diplomatic process that could open a new chapter in relations between Israel and Hamas. Both sides are awaiting an official response and further updates, which could bring hope for reducing violence and resuming dialogue. However, the issue remains unresolved, as no effort can yet be considered fully concluded, and the prospects for long-term peace in the region remain uncertain.