Israel signs off on latest Gaza ceasefire proposal

Good morning, I'm Choi Chi-hee, and this is the World Now.

Israel has approved a new U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal developed by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff.

It has also reportedly been presented to Hamas and is currently under review.

On Thursday, May 29, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that Israel had signed off on a 60-day ceasefire proposal before it was submitted to Hamas.

The proposal includes the release of 10 living and 18 deceased Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian detainees, along with terms for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza.

However, Hamas has responded with reservations, stating that it does not meet key demands such as a permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

Hamas official Bassem Naim said the proposal "does not respond to any of our people's demands, foremost among which is stopping the war and famine."