U.S. Proposes 60-Day Ceasefire in Gaza: The United States has put forward a detailed ceasefire proposal aimed at halting the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The proposed 60-day truce may be prolonged if a lasting ceasefire agreement is not reached during the initial timeframe. According to a document obtained by Reuters on Friday, the deal, guaranteed by U.S. President Donald Trump and mediated by Egypt and Qatar, aims to de-escalate the ongoing violence and open the door to longer-term negotiations for peace.
Key Provisions of the Ceasefire Proposal
The group says it plans to open more aid sites in the coming weeks, but aid groups insist this is not enough. With around 2 million Gazans at risk of famine following an 11-week Israeli blockade on aid, international demand for a broader and more coordinated relief operation is growing.ns of the Ceasefire Proposal
Under the U.S. plans(U.S. Proposes 60-Day Ceasefire in Gaza) Hamas would release 28 Israeli hostages—some alive, others deceased—during the first week of the ceasefire. In exchange, Israel would release 1,236 Palestinian prisoners from its custody, as well as the bodies of 180 deceased Palestinians.
The proposal includes immediate humanitarian measures. Once Hamas formally agrees to the terms, humanitarian aid would begin flowing into Gaza through United Nations agencies, the Red Crescent, and other internationally recognized humanitarian channels. The goal is to ease the dire humanitarian crisis caused by months of blockade and military operations.
The White House confirmed on Thursday that Israel had agreed to the proposed ceasefire deal.According to Israeli media, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally informed the families of the hostages that his government had approved the deal, which was presented by U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy.
Awaiting Hamas Response
While Israel has signaled its approval, Hamas said it is still reviewing the proposal. A formal response is expected within the next 48 hours, according to Hamas officials speaking to Reuters. According to the proposal, after the initial release of hostages and the 60-day truce, Hamas would release the final 30 Israeli hostages upon the establishment of a permanent ceasefire agreement. In return, Israel would fully halt its military operations in Gaza and gradually redeploy its forces in stages.
Sticking Points Remain
Despite this progress, significant differences between Hamas and Israel remain unresolved. Israel has consistently demanded that Hamas disarm, disband its military wing, and relinquish all governing authority in Gaza as a precondition to ending the war. In addition, Israel maintains that all remaining hostages must be returned.
Hamas has firmly rejected these conditions, especially the requirement to disarm. The group insists that any deal must include a complete Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza and a binding commitment to end the war permanently.
Background to the Conflict
The current conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages into Gaza, according to Israeli government figures.
In retaliation, Israel launched a full-scale military campaign in Gaza. According to health officials in Gaza, more than 54,000 Palestinians have been killed in the ensuing violence. Much of Gaza now lies in ruins, with infrastructure decimated and essential services collapsed.
Mounting International Pressure
As the humanitarian toll continues to rise, Israel is facing intensifying global pressure to halt the war. Countries that have historically refrained from criticizing Israel, especially in Europe, are now publicly calling for a ceasefire and large-scale relief operations.
The United States, Israel’s most prominent ally, has also shifted its tone. Special envoy Steve Witkoff announced earlier this week that Washington was preparing to release a new framework for ceasefire negotiations. “I have very good feelings about the possibility of reaching both a temporary and a long-term peaceful resolution,” Witkoff said. The proposed 60-day truce may be prolonged if a lasting ceasefire agreement is not reached during the initial timeframe.
Hamas Skeptical of U.S. Terms
Despite the positive tone from Washington, Hamas remains skeptical. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri voiced criticism of the current U.S. proposal, arguing that it reflects Israeli demands without addressing Hamas’s core conditions.. He noted the absence of guarantees regarding a permanent end to the war, Israeli troop withdrawal, and full access for humanitarian aid.
Humanitarian Efforts and Challenges
In a related development, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF)—a U.S.-backed private organization endorsed by Israel—has begun expanding its aid distribution efforts in the region.
The group has come under fire from the United Nations and various humanitarian organizations, which argue that its efforts are insufficient and poorly organized. The initiative faced chaos on its opening day, with thousands of Palestinians overwhelming distribution points and forcing GHF’s private security teams to retreat.
To date, GHF has distributed around 1.8 million meals. The group says it plans to open more aid sites in the coming weeks, but aid groups insist this is not enough. With around 2 million Gazans at risk of famine following an 11-week Israeli blockade on aid, international demand for a broader and more coordinated relief operation is growing.
