U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff has brokered a ceasefire proposal aimed at what the US called halting the ongoing war and securing a deal between Israel and Hamas, according to media sources and official statements.
The ceasefire plan reportedly includes:
- A 60-day ceasefire
- The release of ten Israeli captives—five at the outset and five more on the final day of the truce
- The return of deceased hostages
- The release of Palestinian detainees in exchange
- Immediate and unconditional humanitarian aid delivery
- Withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump had presented the “ceasefire proposal to Hamas, aiming to secure an agreement to halt hostilities in Gaza.”
Witkoff claims Israel has accepted his proposal; however, Israeli officials assert that Hamas’ version differs from what Israel is willing to accept.
Leavitt emphasized that Israel had approved the plan before it was formally submitted to Hamas, adding, “Discussions are still ongoing, and we remain hopeful that a ceasefire will be achieved to facilitate the return of all hostages.”
While the press secretary refrained from disclosing detailed provisions of the proposal, reports indicate it revolves around a “60-day suspension of hostilities.”
The Press Secretary noted that Trump is expected to address any significant developments regarding the negotiations.
Challenges and Political Complexities
Despite optimism surrounding the ceasefire, several obstacles remain:
- Israel’s reluctance to fully endorse the agreement
- Ensuring compliance from both sides
- Humanitarian concerns, especially regarding aid distribution
- Political ramifications, with U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly acting as a “guarantor” of the deal
Israel’s Stance and Reactions
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed skepticism about the ceasefire terms. While reports suggest Israel has tentatively accepted the proposal, Netanyahu insists that any truce must be temporary, emphasizing that military offensive “will resume until Hamas is fully dismantled.”
“This plan is a distraction from the atrocities that are happening right now to the people of #Gaza,” UNRWA @JulietteTouma tells @CNN.
During the #ceasefire, the humanitarian community including UNRWA brought in 500-600 aid trucks daily. A functioning aid distribution system… pic.twitter.com/0MTFXGroXK
— UNRWA (@UNRWA) May 29, 2025
Some Israeli ministers have criticized the deal, calling it a “lifeline to Hamas”, while others argue that Israel should continue its offensive.
Hamas’ Position and Response
A senior Hamas official told Al Jazeera that reports circulating in some media outlets regarding the group’s stance on the latest ceasefire proposal are inaccurate. The official emphasized that Hamas is still carefully reviewing the proposal, approaching the matter with national responsibility to ensure the best possible outcome for the Palestinian people.
Hamas official Bassem Naim confirmed that the group has received Israel’s response to the ceasefire proposal agreed upon with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff last week.
He criticized Israel’s position, stating that its reply “ensures the continuation of occupation, ongoing violence, and worsening famine.”
He emphasized that Hamas leadership is carefully evaluating the response, considering the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the scale of destruction affecting the Palestinian people.
Earlier, Israel’s Channel 13 quoted a senior Israeli official involved in the negotiations, stating, “We accept Witkoff’s proposal, but the final decision rests with Hamas.”
In an official statement, Hamas confirmed receipt of the revised ceasefire proposal via mediators, adding that it is analyzing the terms responsibly to ensure they align with Palestinian interests, humanitarian relief efforts, and the broader goal of establishing a lasting ceasefire in Gaza.
While some reports claimed Hamas had approved the proposal and that U.S. President Donald Trump would soon announce an official ceasefire agreement, Al-Aqsa TV cited a Hamas source refuting these claims, stating that the group is still reviewing the latest proposal and that reports of a finalized agreement are inaccurate.
In a later report, Al Jazeera confirmed Israel’s approval of the ceasefire framework, though despite serious internal opposition.
Additionally, Israeli media reports suggest the latest proposal is more favorable to Tel Aviv compared to earlier versions.
Key Elements of the Ceasefire Agreement
- Duration: A 60-day truce, with U.S. President Donald Trump acting as a guarantor of Israel’s commitment to the temporary cessation of hostilities.
- Prisoner Exchange: The deal stipulates the release of 28 hostages—10 Israeli captives who are alive and 18 who have died. The exchange will unfold in two phases:
- On day one, Israel will receive 5 living hostages and 9 deceased captives.
- On day seven, Hamas will release the remaining 5 living hostages and 9 deceased captives.
- Humanitarian Aid: Aid supplies will be delivered immediately to Gaza once Hamas formally accepts the agreement. Humanitarian operations will remain uninterrupted, with distribution overseen by international organizations, including the United Nations and the Red Crescent.
The ceasefire agreement’s implementation and long-term impact remain subjects of intense debate.
While officials say the deal presents what they called an “opportunity for de-escalation,” whether it leads to a permanent resolution or serves as a temporary reprieve is yet to be determined.
Other serious issues remain, including the reconstruction of Gaza, the release of Palestinian detainees who are serving life-terms and have been imprisoned for many years, in addition to the thousands of Palestinians who have been abducted since October 7.2023.
On the ground, the humanitarian situation remains dire. According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, Israeli airstrikes since Thursday morning have resulted in 64 Palestinian fatalities, including 19 killed in an attack targeting a residential block in Al-Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza.
The bombing also left a significant number of civilians injured, further straining the already overwhelmed medical facilities in the besieged enclave.
Hospitals are struggling to cope with the large influx of wounded civilians, as critical shortages in medical supplies, electricity, and personnel continue to hamper rescue efforts.
The ongoing bombardment has deepened concerns about the humanitarian crisis, prompting renewed international calls for an immediate ceasefire and urgent access to aid.
Gaza’s humanitarian crisis continues to worsen as aid deliveries face heavy restrictions. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that only a minimal amount of relief supplies has been allowed into the region, failing to meet the urgent needs of the civilian population.
A spokesperson for OCHA in Gaza confirmed that entry of critical life-saving materials remains heavily restricted. OCHA emphasized that the UN will not participate in any mechanisms that violate international humanitarian principles.
Despite growing international outcry, the blockade on vital resources—including food, medicine, and clean water—remains in effect, further worsening conditions for millions of civilians.
“This plan is a distraction from the atrocities that are happening right now to the people of #Gaza,” UNRWA @JulietteTouma tells @CNN.
During the #ceasefire, the humanitarian community including UNRWA brought in 500-600 aid trucks daily. A functioning aid distribution system… pic.twitter.com/0MTFXGroXK
— UNRWA (@UNRWA) May 29, 2025
Aid organizations warn that shortages in nutrition and medical supplies could lead to a rapidly escalating crisis, with famine and disease posing serious threats to those in the besieged territory.
A spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres confirmed that efforts are underway to evacuate patients and medical personnel from Al-Awda Hospital in northern Gaza, following an Israeli directive issued earlier today.
UN representative Stephane Dujarric emphasized the critical status of the facility, stating, “Al-Awda is the last remaining hospital in northern Gaza that is still partially operational.”
Dujarric also highlighted the worsening conditions inside the hospital, noting that it is overwhelmed with casualties and facing severe shortages of essential medical supplies.
Since October 2023, Israel has repeatedly targeted hospitals and healthcare facilities across Gaza, leaving the medical system on the brink of collapse.
Assist. Prof of Law & Finance. Chairman EuroMed Human Rights Monitor, said “The new proposal — effectively a recipe for the continuation of genocide, displacement, and starvation. It is Israeli in both form and substance. No mechanism to deliver aid, no guarantee of a ceasefire, and no commitment to withdraw from residential areas.”
The death toll in Gaza has now surpassed 54.249, including 16,505 children, 9,800 women, and 248 journalists. The total number of injuries has risen to over 123,492, with thousands still trapped under the rubble and unable to receive medical aid.
