A new ceasefire proposal aimed at halting the ongoing war in Gaza has been put forward by the United States, with support from Egypt and Qatar, promising a potential breakthrough after months of intense violence and failed negotiations. According to a document seen by Reuters, the plan includes a 60-day ceasefire, a phased release of hostages and prisoners, and the delivery of humanitarian aid to the besieged territory.

Key Elements of the Ceasefire Proposal

The proposed ceasefire, reportedly guaranteed by US President Donald Trump, includes a series of carefully negotiated steps intended to bring temporary calm and open the door to a long-term resolution.

• In the first week of the truce, Hamas is expected to release 28 Israeli hostages, both living and deceased.

• In exchange, Israel would release 125 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and return the remains of 180 Palestinians killed in previous conflicts.

• The plan further states that Hamas will release the remaining 30 Israeli hostages only after a permanent ceasefire is formalised.

This conditional framework allows both sides to gradually test each other’s commitments while creating space for future peace-building.

Israel’s Approval and Hamas’ Consideration

The White House confirmed on Thursday that Israel has agreed to the ceasefire proposal. However, the final breakthrough depends on Hamas’ acceptance, which remains under review. A spokesperson for the Palestinian militant group Hamas told Reuters that the organisation is currently studying the proposal and would respond by Friday or Saturday.

Despite initial hope, deep-rooted mistrust and political disagreements remain a significant barrier.

• Israel demands that Hamas disarm, cease to exist as a military and governing authority, and return all remaining hostages as a condition for any end to the war.

• Hamas rejects disarmament, instead insisting that Israel must withdraw troops from Gaza and formally end hostilities.

These starkly opposing stances have already derailed past negotiations, and the same risk looms over the latest proposal.

The Roots of the Conflict: A Brief Recap

The ongoing war in Gaza traces its origin to October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched a deadly attack in southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and abducting 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures. This marked the beginning of Israel’s aggressive military campaign in Gaza, aimed at crippling Hamas’ military infrastructure and rescuing hostages.

Since then, Gaza’s health authorities report that over 54,000 Palestinians have died due to Israeli air and ground assaults. The densely populated enclave has been plunged into a humanitarian crisis, with widespread destruction, limited access to food, medicine, and clean water, and a mounting civilian toll.

Hamas’ Dilemma and Pressure from Mediators

For Hamas, the current proposal places significant political and military pressure. Agreeing to a phased truce might help them regain some international legitimacy, secure humanitarian relief for Gaza’s civilians, and negotiate the release of their own detained members. However, giving up hostages without achieving a long-term solution could be viewed as weakness, potentially eroding their support base.

Meanwhile, Egypt and Qatar continue to play crucial mediatory roles, aiming to bridge the chasm between both sides and facilitate dialogue.

Humanitarian Aid a Key Component of the Plan

One of the most urgent provisions in the plan is the immediate delivery of aid to Gaza once the ceasefire is signed. International organisations, including the UN and Red Crescent, have raised repeated alarms about the dire humanitarian conditions inside Gaza. If the truce goes into effect, food, medical supplies, and shelter materials will be allowed entry, alleviating some suffering in the war-torn region.

Previous Ceasefire Attempts and Ongoing Risks

This is not the first time mediators have attempted to broker peace between Israel and Hamas. Earlier efforts collapsed due to lack of trust, ongoing violence, and conflicting end goals.

• The March 2024 ceasefire fell apart after renewed rocket fire and military strikes.

• Subsequent initiatives by the United Nations and European Union failed to gain traction due to Israeli objections and Hamas’ inflexible demands.

Analysts fear that without mutual concessions and clear enforcement mechanisms, this ceasefire plan could meet a similar fate.

The Broader Geopolitical Impact

The Gaza conflict continues to shape Middle East politics and global diplomacy. Countries such as Iran, Turkey, and Russia have weighed in with statements and indirect support, influencing the direction and tone of the conflict. The US, while backing Israel militarily, has also come under pressure to protect civilian lives and support a durable peace plan.

The latest proposal by Washington reflects a delicate balancing act—attempting to secure Israeli interests while pushing Hamas towards compromise.

Looking Ahead: Hope or More Hostilities?

With lives hanging in the balance and international attention focused squarely on Gaza, the coming days are critical. If Hamas agrees to the proposal, it could mark the beginning of de-escalation, bringing temporary relief and sparking broader peace talks.

But if the plan collapses, Gaza risks further devastation, and the chances for a political resolution may vanish for months, if not years.

The world now watches closely as leaders on both sides weigh their options, and mediators push for what may be the last viable ceasefire plan in the near term.

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