Smoke is seen over Gaza after an explosion near the border with Israel, May 29, 2025. (Credit: Amir Cohen/Reuters)
The White House said Thursday that Israel had accepted U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal for a Gaza cease-fire, while discussions were "continuing" with Hamas.
Hamas had earlier said it was examining a new deal proposed by Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, while there was no immediate confirmation from Israel.
"I can confirm that Special Envoy Witkoff and the president submitted a cease-fire proposal to Hamas, which Israel backed and supported. Israel signed off on this proposal before it was sent to Hamas," Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said.
"I can also confirm that those discussions are continuing, and we hope that a cease-fire in Gaza will take place so we can return all of the hostages home," Leavitt told reporters.
The spokesperson later declined to confirm reports in Saudi and Israeli media that both sides had reached a 60-day cease-fire agreement and that Trump was poised to make an announcement.
"If there is an announcement to be made, it will come from the White House — the president, myself or special envoy Witkoff," Leavitt said.
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