Israel Accepts Latest U.S. Ceasefire Proposal; Awaits Hamas' Response

What Happened?

Israel has recently signed off on the latest U.S. ceasefire proposal to stop the ongoing conflict across the Gaza Strip.

President Donald Trump and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff reportedly submitted the proposal to the Palestinian militant group Hamas after Israel signed off on it.

'We hope that a ceasefire in Gaza will take place so we can return all of the hostages home,' White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said during a press briefing Thursday.

When asked if Hamas had accepted the latest U.S. proposal, Leavitt replied, 'Not to my knowledge' as discussions are continuing.

White House officials continue to hold high hopes as pressure grows from global spectators for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

More than 300 cultural figures across the U.K. and Ireland have reportedly signed a letter demanding an immediate ceasefire and unrestricted aid to Gaza’s residents.

'The government of Israel has renewed its assault on Gaza with unrestrained brutality,' the letter said.

Why it Matters

It challenged the fact that words like 'genocide' or 'acts of genocide' are no longer being debated by international legal experts or human rights organizations to describe what is happening in Gaza.

While the letter also pointed out acts committed by Hamas, it ultimately called for the release of hostages and denounced all actions that have inspired the war.

It comes not long after more than 800 lawyers have called on the U.K. government to use 'all available means' to stop the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The 828 U.K-based qualified legal experts filed an open letter of concern that warned 'genocide is being perpetrated in Gaza’ from Israel's increased military offensive.

'All States, including the U.K., are legally obliged to take all reasonable steps within their power to prevent and punish genocide; to ensure respect for international humanitarian law,' the letter stated.

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer joined French and Canadian leaders last week to issue new warnings of preparations to take 'concrete actions' against Israel.

Legal experts urged the British government to act quickly without delay to avert the destruction of the people of Gaza.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu believed Israel recently killed the leader of Hamas during operations in Gaza that 'eliminated tens of thousands of terrorists.'

How it Affects You

Palestinian officials said that recent Israeli strikes have killed at least 52 people as of Monday, including roughly 36 who were sleeping in a school-turned-shelter.

More than 500 people in total have been killed in recent weeks as Israeli strikes continue.

Israeli forces have pressed forward with their new military plans against Hamas despite growing calls from world leaders for a ceasefire.

Netanyahu has stated that the entire Gaza Strip will be under Israeli security control by the end of the war.

But the latest ceasefire proposal from the U.S. may help turn a new chapter to bring peace to millions of Gazans.