Israel has received a new ceasefire proposal from Hamas, which an Israeli official described as “workable,” though no further details were disclosed. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to not being authorized to speak publicly, said Israel was reviewing the proposal closely, AP News reports. Hamas confirmed early Thursday that it had submitted the plan to international mediators. The proposal comes as over 100 humanitarian and rights organizations warn that Israel’s blockade and ongoing military offensive are pushing Palestinians in Gaza toward mass starvation. Internationa

Israel has received a new ceasefire proposal from Hamas, which an Israeli official described as “workable,” though no further details were disclosed. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to not being authorized to speak publicly, said Israel was reviewing the proposal closely, AP News reports. Hamas confirmed early Thursday that it had submitted the plan to international mediators. The proposal comes as over 100 humanitarian and rights organizations warn that Israel’s blockade and ongoing military offensive are pushing Palestinians in Gaza toward mass starvation. International experts have echoed these concerns, saying that Gaza is at growing risk of famine, citing both the tight blockade and the extensive damage caused by Israel’s military campaign launched in response to Hamas’ October 7, 2023, assault on southern Israel. AP News also is reporting that top U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to travel to Europe this week for meetings with Middle Eastern leaders to discuss the latest ceasefire developments and efforts to secure the release of hostages still held in Gaza. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office confirmed receipt of Hamas’ response on Thursday but did not provide specifics. The new proposal is the latest step in ongoing, though often stalled, efforts to end the nine-month war. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 59,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began. The ministry does not distinguish between combatants and civilians, but it reports that over half of those killed were women and children. Violence Continues in the Occupied West Bank Meanwhile, two Palestinian teenagers were killed by Israeli fire Wednesday night near the West Bank town of Al-Khader. Palestinian health authorities identified the victims as Ahmed Al-Salah, 15, and Mohammed Khaled Alian Issa, 17. The Israeli military said its forces opened fire on Palestinians who were allegedly throwing Molotov cocktails at vehicles on a nearby highway. Since the start of the Gaza war, violence has surged in the occupied West Bank. According to the United Nations, more than 955 Palestinians have been killed in the territory during this period, many of them during Israeli military raids described as anti-militancy operations.

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