Hamas Evaluates Gaza Ceasefire Proposal Amid U.S. Optimism for Peace

Hamas is actively reviewing a new ceasefire proposal from Israel, despite expressing concerns that it falls short of their core demands, as the Trump administration signals growing optimism for a potential deal to halt the ongoing conflict and secure the release of hostages in Gaza.

The White House confirmed that a draft agreement, backed by Israel, was delivered to Hamas on Thursday, which is an important step toward de-escalation in the war-torn region.

While details of the proposal remain limited, the move follows recent diplomatic efforts by the U.S., which successfully secured the release of the last living American hostage, 21-year-old Edan Alexander, from Gaza.

However, achieving a broader resolution to end the 19-month conflict remains a complex challenge, with both sides holding firm on divergent priorities.

Details of the Ceasefire Proposal

According to Israeli officials, the proposal outlines a 60-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 others held in Gaza.

The deal reportedly includes the release of 1,236 Palestinian prisoners and the remains of 180 deceased Palestinians, alongside provisions for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, facilitated by organizations such as the United Nations.

However, Hamas officials have voiced skepticism, noting that the proposal lacks guarantees for a full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza or assurances for sustained aid delivery.

A senior Hamas official, Basem Naim, stated that the group is conducting a "thorough and responsible review" but criticized Israel’s approach, accusing it of seeking to "entrench the occupation" and continue policies of "killing and starvation" during the proposed truce.

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U.S. Diplomatic Push and Regional Tensions

The Trump administration’s direct engagement with Hamas has yielded some progress, with special envoy Steve Witkoff leading efforts to broker the ceasefire. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce expressed cautious optimism, stating, “We believe this proposal has significant promise.”

Recent updates indicate that the U.S. is leveraging its diplomatic influence to bridge gaps between the parties, though Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri told regional media that the proposal deviates from prior agreements made with American mediators.

The absence of commitments to a permanent ceasefire or clear post-truce plans remains a sticking point, as Hamas seeks assurances that Israel will not resume its offensive after the 60-day period, while Israel aims to retain strategic flexibility.

Did You Know?
The Gaza Strip, home to approximately 2.2 million people, is one of the most densely populated areas in the world, with over 5,000 residents per square kilometer, exacerbating the challenges of delivering humanitarian aid during conflicts.

Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

The conflict has intensified since the collapse of the last ceasefire in March 2025, leaving Gaza in a dire humanitarian state. Israel’s sustained military operations and restrictions on aid have pushed the region toward famine, with the United Nations warning that 2.2 million residents face acute food insecurity.

Recent reports highlight Israel’s controversial plan, approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet, to seize Gaza and displace its population southward, a move widely criticized as a potential violation of international law.

The plan has drawn condemnation from human rights organizations, which argue it could constitute a war crime. Meanwhile, Netanyahu has reiterated his goal of eliminating Hamas, further complicating prospects for a lasting peace.