New Delhi, May 30 -- Israel has accepted a new US-brokered proposal for a temporary ceasefire with Hamas, the White House confirmed on Thursday (May 29), marking a potential breakthrough in the long-stalled negotiations to end the Gaza war and secure the release of hostages.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Israel "backed and supported" the proposal, while noting that "Hamas continues to evaluate the proposal."

The new momentum comes after US President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, voiced optimism earlier this week that a deal could be reached to halt fighting and return hostages.

Hamas has signaled cautious openness to the new plan, stating it had reached agreement with US officials on a "general framew...