U.S. Proposes Ceasefire Plan for Gaza Amid Ongoing Conflict
In a significant diplomatic move, the United States has presented a plan aimed at establishing a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza. The initiative, reported on Friday, proposes the release of 28 Israeli hostages—both living and deceased—within the first week. In exchange, Israel would release 1,236 Palestinian prisoners and the remains of 180 Palestinians. The plan is backed by President Donald Trump alongside mediators from Egypt and Qatar, emphasizing the urgent need for a resolution to the ongoing violence in the region.
Humanitarian aid would be dispatched to Gaza as soon as Hamas, the ruling militant group, agrees to the ceasefire terms. This aid would be distributed through the United Nations and the Red Crescent, along with other approved channels. It is a crucial step to address the dire humanitarian needs of the population affected by the conflict.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated to the families of hostages that Israel is prepared to accept this ceasefire proposal, which has been negotiated by Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff. Israeli media reports confirm that the government is keen on a resolution, given the mounting pressure both domestically and from the international community.
However, Hamas has expressed that it is currently reviewing the proposal and plans to respond soon. The plan specifies that Hamas would be required to release the last 30 of the 58 remaining Israeli hostages once a permanent ceasefire agreement is achieved. Following this, Israel would halt all military operations in Gaza, with a phased redeployment of its troops.
Previous attempts to negotiate a ceasefire have faced substantial roadblocks due to deep-seated differences between Hamas and Israel. Israel demands that Hamas completely disarm and ceases to function as both a military entity and a governing body. Conversely, Hamas insists on the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and refuses to lay down its weapons without assurances of a lasting peace.
The ongoing conflict escalated dramatically after a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, where around 1,200 Israelis lost their lives and hundreds were taken hostage. In response, Israel launched a military campaign that has resulted in significant casualties, with health officials reporting more than 54,000 Palestinians killed. The situation in Gaza is desperate, with infrastructure severely damaged and many people facing severe shortages of food and medical supplies.
International sentiment is shifting as countries, including those in Europe, are increasingly vocal in their calls for an end to the violence. The continuing military operations and the humanitarian crisis have created a sense of urgency for a comprehensive peace strategy.
Witkoff has mentioned that Washington is close to finalizing a new ceasefire proposal. He expressed hope for reaching a long-term resolution through negotiations that could result in lasting peace for the region. The proposed 60-day ceasefire could potentially be extended if discussions for a permanent agreement aren’t concluded within that timeframe.
Nevertheless, Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri has criticized the proposal, stating that it aligns too closely with Israeli conditions and does not meet their demands for a total withdrawal of troops or for humanitarian aid provisions as desired by Hamas.
As humanitarian efforts continue, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation—backed by the U.S. and supported by Israel—has expanded its aid distribution. The foundation’s efforts are particularly vital, with the United Nations estimating that about 2 million people in Gaza are at risk of famine, largely due to an ongoing blockade.
However, criticism of these efforts has been significant. Many have labeled the aid distribution as inadequate, citing chaotic scenes at distribution points where thousands of people rushed to receive assistance. The beginning of this operation underlines the immense struggles that many in Gaza face and raises further calls for Israel to permit more aid and to halt military actions.
Despite the complexities, the hope for peace remains. It is critical for all parties involved to engage earnestly in dialogue, prioritize humanitarian needs, and seek a pathway toward lasting peace in the region.
