Palestinian HAMAS Movement Issues Statement

The Palestinian HAMAS movement has announced that it has received a new ceasefire proposal in the Gaza Strip through intermediaries from U.S. President's Special Envoy for Middle East Affairs, Steve Whitkoff. This was reported by RIA Novosti.

"The leadership of the HAMAS movement has received a new proposal from Whitkoff via intermediaries and is responsibly examining this proposal," the statement from the movement reads.

The new scheme involves the release of 10 hostages and the return of the remains of 18 deceased individuals in two phases during the first week of the implementation of the agreement. In return, Israel will release approximately 1,500 Palestinian prisoners, including those sentenced to life for terrorism.

During the 60-day temporary ceasefire, Israel and the Palestinian HAMAS movement are negotiating the conditions for a final cessation of hostilities through intermediaries. If these negotiations fail, Israel may resume military operations in the Palestinian enclave.

The possible agreement also aims to restore the previous scheme for distributing humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip with the participation of the UN and international organizations.

On May 18, the Israel Defense Forces launched large-scale ground operations in the Gaza Strip as part of Operation "Gideon's Chariots," aimed at the final defeat of HAMAS. The operation implies the capture and maintenance of new territories.

Earlier, media reported that Israel is discussing a new plan for the resolution of the Gaza Strip from American special envoy Steve Whitkoff, which envisions a 60-day ceasefire.