Hamas Accepts Gaza Ceasefire Proposal; Israel Rejects It as Unacceptable

A senior Palestinian official announced that Hamas has agreed to a U.S.-proposed ceasefire plan for Gaza, but Israel swiftly dismissed the proposal, denying it originated from Washington and deeming it unacceptable.

The disagreement has further complicated efforts to halt the ongoing conflict, which has claimed thousands of lives and left Gaza in dire humanitarian conditions.

Hamas Agrees to Ceasefire Terms

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff mediated a proposal that Hamas accepted, according to a Palestinian official close to the group. The plan outlined the release of 10 living Israeli hostages in two phases, a 70-day ceasefire, and a partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

In exchange, Israel would release several Palestinian prisoners, including those serving long sentences. The official emphasized Hamas’s willingness to negotiate, aligning with the group’s broader stance of seeking a permanent ceasefire in exchange for freeing all hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel.

Israel Rejects Proposal, Questions Its Origin

An Israeli official rejected the notion that the proposal came from Witkoff, stating that no responsible government could accept such terms. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a social media video, expressed hope for progress in the hostage negotiations, saying, “If not today, then we will tomorrow.”

However, his office provided no further comment on the matter. Israel’s position remains firm: only a temporary ceasefire is acceptable, with the ultimate goal of eradicating Hamas.

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Witkoff Denies Proposal Details

Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy, also distanced himself from the reported proposal, telling Reuters that the terms discussed were “completely unacceptable” and did not reflect his offer. This discrepancy has raised questions about the mediation process and the challenges of aligning all parties on a viable path to peace.

Did You Know?
The Gaza Strip, home to over 2 million people, is one of the most densely populated areas in the world, with limited access to resources even before the current conflict escalated.

Ongoing Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis

The conflict has intensified since Israel ended a January ceasefire on March 18, 2025. Hamas and allied factions resumed rocket attacks following Israel’s renewed military campaign.

The war, sparked by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack that killed 1,200 people and abducted 251 hostages, has led to nearly 54,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza health authorities.

The coastal strip faces widespread devastation, with aid groups reporting severe malnutrition and limited access to basic necessities. Over 70% of Gaza's infrastructure has suffered damage or destruction, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis, according to recent data.

Path Forward Remains Uncertain

Hamas has repeatedly called for a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a permanent ceasefire, while Netanyahu insists on continuing the war until Hamas is eliminated.

The conflicting positions, coupled with the rejection of the latest proposal, underscore the deep challenges in reaching a resolution. International mediators continue to push for dialogue, but the prospects for an immediate ceasefire remain slim.