We have every expectation Israel will agree to ceasefire if Hamas takes deal, says US

THE United States has “every expectation” Israel will accept a ceasefire proposal if Hamas takes the deal, a senior White House official said.

- John Dunne

The plan was unveiled by President Joe Biden last week and would see the staggered release of hostages captured on October 7 in return for a gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from the besieged enclave of Gaza. There would also be a “surge” in humanitarian aid.

It came as fighting continues in Rafah, which came under intense Israeli airstrikes over the weekend.

White House national security council spokesman John Kirby said the US had “every expectation” that Israel would “say yes” to the proposed ceasefire deal if Hamas accepts.

During an initial six-week pause in the fighting, Mr Kirby said the “two sides would sit down and try to negotiate what phase two could look like, and when that could begin”.