The United States has put forward a new ceasefire proposal for Gaza, aiming to end months of devastating conflict through a carefully structured hostage-prisoner exchange and phased withdrawal of Israeli forces. The plan, backed by President Donald Trump and mediated by Egypt and Qatar, was shared in a draft obtained by Glide News.
Key Details of the Ceasefire Proposal
Under the terms of the draft, Hamas would release the remaining 30 Israeli hostages once a permanent ceasefire is secured. The initial stage of the agreement calls for a 60-day ceasefire, during which 28 Israeli hostages—both living and deceased—would be exchanged for 1,236 Palestinian prisoners and the remains of 180 Palestinians.
The proposal also mandates the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, coordinated through the United Nations, the Red Crescent, and other designated channels as soon as Hamas agrees to the ceasefire. According to US officials, Israel has already accepted the proposal.
Reactions From All Sides
While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has notified hostage families that the government supports the plan, Hamas leaders remain cautious. Basem Naim, a senior member of Hamas’s political bureau, described the offer as falling short of Palestinian demands—chief among them a full halt to the war. Nevertheless, he noted that the leadership is reviewing the proposal with “full national responsibility.”
Other Hamas officials voiced skepticism, arguing the plan “echoed Israel’s position” and did not guarantee full troop withdrawal, an absolute end to the conflict, or unrestricted access to aid.
US envoy Steve Wiesenberg and White House adviser Jeff Witkoff have signaled optimism, with Witkoff stating, “I have some very good feelings about getting to a long-term resolution, temporary ceasefire and a long-term resolution, a peaceful resolution, of that conflict.”
International and Humanitarian Implications
The ceasefire proposal arrives amid mounting international pressure for an end to the war, which erupted after Hamas’s attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. That attack killed roughly 1,200 Israelis and led to 251 hostages being taken. In response, Israel’s military offensive has devastated the Gaza Strip, with over 54,000 Palestinians reported killed and vast areas left in ruins.
The ongoing humanitarian crisis has only intensified. The U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has ramped up operations, delivering 1.8 million meals and opening additional distribution sites. Still, the United Nations warns nearly two million Gazans face famine as aid deliveries are blocked or delayed. Recent food distribution efforts have been overwhelmed by desperate crowds, highlighting the dire need for sustained relief.
Hurdles Remain
Despite the US plan opening a window for potential negotiations, deep mistrust and conflicting demands persist between Israel and Hamas. Israel maintains that any lasting peace depends on Hamas disarming and relinquishing control of Gaza, while Hamas demands a full withdrawal of Israeli troops and a definitive end to the war.
As Hamas reviews the proposal, the world waits to see if this latest diplomatic push can break the deadlock and deliver relief to millions caught in the conflict.
Glide News will continue to provide real-time updates on the ongoing peace efforts and the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
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