May 30, 2025 — A new U.S.-backed proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza, outlines a 60-day truce that would see the release of 28 Israeli hostages, both living and deceased, in exchange for 1,236 Palestinian prisoners and the remains of 180 deceased Palestinians.
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| - A picture taken from Israeli border with the Gaza Strip shows smoke billowing during Israeli bombardment in the besieged Palestinian territory on May 29, 2025. The White House said on May 29 that Israel had "signed off on" a new Gaza ceasefire proposal submitted to the Palestinian Hamas movement, which confirmed it was studying the deal. (Photo by JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images) |
The plan, reportedly supported by U.S. President Donald Trump along with Egyptian and Qatari mediators, aims to de-escalate the prolonged conflict and initiate immediate humanitarian aid delivery to the Gaza Strip. According to the proposal, the United Nations, the Red Crescent, and other agreed organizations will oversee aid distribution once the ceasefire is confirmed by Hamas.
Israel Agrees to U.S. Ceasefire Proposal
On Thursday, the White House confirmed Israel's approval of the ceasefire initiative. Reports from Israeli media indicated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed the families of hostages that the Israeli government had accepted the terms outlined by U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.
Hamas, the Palestinian militant organization governing Gaza, said it is currently reviewing the offer and will provide an official response within days.
As outlined in the deal, Israel will halt all military operations in Gaza once the ceasefire takes effect. Hamas, in turn, would release the remaining 30 Israeli hostages upon the establishment of a permanent ceasefire. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) would withdraw troops gradually as part of the arrangement.
Historic Challenges Remain
While the proposal marks a potential breakthrough, deep-rooted disagreements between Israel and Hamas continue to hinder a long-term resolution. Israel has repeatedly demanded that Hamas disarm completely, dissolve its military and political structure, and release all hostages as a prerequisite for ending the war.
Conversely, Hamas insists on the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and a formal commitment to end the war, rejecting any condition that requires giving up its weapons.
The current conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack in southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and capturing 251 hostages, according to Israeli sources. Since then, the Israeli counteroffensive has resulted in the deaths of over 54,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, leaving much of the territory devastated and uninhabitable.
Global Pressure and Humanitarian Crisis
International criticism of Israel's military actions is intensifying. Several European nations, typically cautious in their criticism of Israel, are now calling for an immediate ceasefire and a massive humanitarian aid campaign to prevent famine and further civilian suffering.
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism on Wednesday, stating that Washington is close to finalizing a new ceasefire framework.
“I’m hopeful for a temporary truce and a lasting peace deal,” Witkoff said, hinting at the possibility of extending the 60-day ceasefire if negotiations on a permanent solution are not finalized in time.
However, Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri argued that the proposed deal mirrors Israel's conditions and fails to ensure troop withdrawal or long-term peace, two non-negotiable demands from Hamas.
Struggles with Humanitarian Aid Distribution
Amid the proposed truce, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) — a U.S.-backed private organization supported by Israel — has expanded aid operations, now distributing food at three locations in Gaza. Despite supplying over 1.8 million meals, the organization has come under sharp criticism from the U.N. and other aid groups, who label its operations as insufficient and poorly managed.
Earlier this week, chaotic scenes erupted as thousands of desperate Palestinians rushed GHF distribution centers, forcing security contractors to retreat. The 11-week blockade on aid has left nearly 2 million Gazans at risk of starvation, according to U.N. estimates.
This turmoil has fueled growing global demand for Israel to facilitate greater humanitarian access and end its military campaign.
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