Israel Holds Emergency Talks on Hamas Proposal as Trump Prepares to Announce Gaza Ceasefire Deal

This handout picture released by the Israeli Government Press Office (GPO) shows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (5-R), heading a security cabinet meeting to vote on a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal that should take effect ton January 19, in Jerusalem on January 17, 2025. Photo: GPO / AFP
This handout picture released by the Israeli Government Press Office (GPO) shows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (5-R), heading a security cabinet meeting to vote on a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal that should take effect ton January 19, in Jerusalem on January 17, 2025. Photo: GPO / AFP

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is set to hold intensive discussions this weekend to assess Hamas’s latest response to the proposed Gaza ceasefire deal, as anticipation builds for an official announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump.

According to Israeli broadcaster Kan, the Israeli cabinet will convene Saturday evening and continue deliberations into Sunday to review the updated proposal, which includes amendments submitted by Hamas. The Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation reported that these amendments could present "a serious challenge to Israeli decision-makers."

Trump to Personally Announce New Ceasefire Agreement

President Trump is expected to personally unveil the details of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, ahead of a scheduled meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu in Washington on Monday.

Sources familiar with the negotiations said the agreement outlines a two-month ceasefire, the exchange of hostages and prisoners, and the repatriation of bodies held by both sides. The proposal reportedly incorporates Hamas’s observations on a previously submitted draft and adds specific implementation mechanisms.

The U.S. administration has framed the agreement as a critical step toward ending the conflict in Gaza and restoring regional stability.

Hamas Signals Readiness for Implementation Talks

Hamas confirmed on Friday that it had submitted its formal response to the mediators and expressed readiness to begin immediate discussions on implementing the agreement. The group said it viewed the new proposal seriously and welcomed efforts to bring about a sustained ceasefire.

The upcoming days are likely to prove pivotal as Israeli leaders weigh Hamas’s proposed changes and the U.S. pushes for a breakthrough ahead of Monday’s high-level talks in Washington.