U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday agreed to a mediator’s proposal in the Israel-Hamas war.

The proposal would include an initial cease-fire over the course of six weeks in which hostages would be released, prisoners exchanged and negotiations would begin.

Irit O’Gara’s cousin Aviv Atzili was held hostage and killed in October.

“He was so kind. He had so many friends. People absolutely adore and love him. He was so loyal. He was just a really, really good person,” O’Gara said.

Atzili was a father of three and his wife, Liat Atzili, was released from Hamas captivity in November.

O’Gara reacted to the news of the proposal.

“Both sides should have reached an agreement a long time ago. They could have done it back in December,” O’Gara said.

Netanyahu responds to the news.

“This is important, of course, for the state of Israel. I also greatly appreciate the understanding that the U.S. has shown for the vital security interests on our joint efforts to bring about the release of our hostages,” Netanyahu said.

Blinken says the so-called “bridging” proposal is meant to fill in gaps and clarify parts of the deal that need clarification and speaks about [the] next steps of the proposal with Netanyahu.

“He confirmed go me Israel accepts the bridging proposal. It is now incumbent on Hamas to do the same,” Blinken said.

O’Gara hopes it comes to fruition.

“Really, what I want to see is for the Israeli Government and Hamas reach an agreement this time around for real,” O’Gara said.

The Associated Press reports Hamas officials did not immediately respond to the deal, but said it was slanted toward Israel.