Israel and the terrorist group Hamas have agreed to ceasefire terms that will hopefully see the end of the fighting in Gaza. The sixty-day truce brokered by the United States is one big step in the right direction.

Both Israel and Hamas have agreed to accept the latest ceasefire proposal put forward by the U.S. ruling class, according to reports from several media outlets on Thursday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled his readiness to accept a roadmap presented by US special envoy Steve Witkoff during a meeting with the relatives of hostages still in Hamas captivity in Gaza. An anonymous Israeli official reportedly said that Washington’s proposal envisages the release of the remaining 10 living hostages and the return of 18 bodies held in Gaza by Hamas over the course of a week. In exchange, Netanyahu’s government would reportedly agree to a 60-day cease-fire.

Arab media later reported that Hamas had also accepted the deal to release the remaining Israeli hostages held in the enclave in exchange for a temporary truce, according to a report by RT. However, initially, the Jerusalem Post cited an unnamed source as saying that Hamas has reservations regarding Washington’s plan, and sees it as favoring Israel. The Islamist militant group is reportedly wary of the fact that the U.S. would not provide a guarantee that the temporary 60-day ceasefire would be extended to become permanent.

The ceasefire agreement was mediated by other countries, not just the U.S.; Egypt and Qatar were also involved.  Negotiations between the two belligerents have been going on for some time in Doha, albeit producing little progress so far.

The latest developments have come amid an intensified Israeli assault on Gaza in recent days, including a fresh wave of airstrikes and a major ground offensive codenamed ‘Operation Gideon’s Chariots.’

Netanyahu has repeatedly insisted that the military action will not cease until Hamas has been totally vanquished.

Israel Doubles Down On Its Goal To Eliminate Hamas