The U.S. has submitted an Israeli-backed cease-fire proposal to Hamas, aimed at facilitating the flow of aid into Gaza. This development comes amid increasing international pressure to halt the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in the region, according to officials from the U.S. and Israel.
According to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, President Trump and his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, presented the framework to Hamas after receiving approval from Israel. An Israeli official indicated that the proposal's initial phase would include a 60-day cease-fire and the provision of aid through United Nations operations. However, Hamas officials expressed skepticism, suggesting that the proposal lacked sufficient guarantees for a permanent end to hostilities.
Leavitt stated during a press briefing, “Those discussions are continuing, and we hope that a cease-fire in Gaza will take place so we can return all of the hostages home.”
State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce noted that while Hamas's acceptance of the cease-fire proposal was uncertain, there was “some important optimism” among officials regarding the potential for a deal, describing the proposal as holding “significant promise.”
However, a major obstacle remains, as Israel insists on the right to resume military action if Hamas does not surrender and disarm. Conversely, Hamas demands firm assurances that a temporary cease-fire would lead to a permanent cessation of hostilities and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
After 18 months of conflict, any cessation of hostilities would be welcomed by the international community, which has grown increasingly frustrated with Israel's military operations in Gaza. Countries such as Germany, Italy, Britain, Canada, and France have recently criticized Israel's expansion of military actions and the rising civilian death toll in the region.
Witkoff expressed optimism about reaching a long-term resolution during a press conference, stating he had “very good feelings” about achieving a temporary cease-fire.
Even President Trump, who previously maintained a strong alliance with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, appeared to urge Israel to seek an end to the conflict, stating, “We’ve been talking to them, and we want to see if we can stop that whole situation as quickly as possible.”
Both Israel and Hamas have indicated they might accept certain terms of the new proposal, including the release of 10 hostages held by Hamas and the remains of others in exchange for several Palestinians in Israeli custody.
Israel ended a previous cease-fire in March and has since intensified its military operations, expanding control over more territory in Gaza.
The current conflict began on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel that resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and the abduction of 250 individuals. The subsequent Israeli military campaign has reportedly resulted in over 53,000 deaths in Gaza, according to health officials who do not differentiate between civilians and combatants.
In January, Israel and Hamas had reached a multiphase cease-fire agreement intended to ultimately end the war and secure the release of remaining hostages. However, Israel terminated the truce in mid-March, citing an impasse over the details of the next phase of the agreement.