US has put forward a 60-day ceasefire proposal in Gaza involving hostage releases, prisoner swap, and the delivery of aid immediately. The proposal, provides for the release of 28 Israeli hostages alive and dead in the first week. Israel would, in turn, release 125 Palestinian life prisoners and the bodies of 180 Palestinian dead.
The plan has the support of US President Donald Trump and regional envoys Egypt and Qatar. The White House has confirmed that Israel has committed to the agreement. Hamas is considering the proposal and will respond by Friday or Saturday.
Details of the US Plan
The plan proposes a 60-day temporary ceasefire in the war. Hamas would release 28 Israeli hostages within the first week. Israel would, in return, release 125 Palestinian lifers and 180 Palestinian corpses. Humanitarian relief would enter Gaza as soon as Hamas accepts the ceasefire.
The strategy has a last stage and after both parties sign on to a permanent truce, Hamas would free the remaining 30 Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza. This last release hinges solely on a long-term deal.
Israel, Hamas Remain Deeply Divided
Even after Israel’s acceptance of the plan, there are principal hindrances. Hamas and Israel continue to differ on the conditions of the war’s end. Israel requires that Hamas disarm and disband its military and government infrastructure entirely. It further requires the release of all 58 remaining hostages before it will cease military action.
But Hamas spurns complete disarmament. It demands Israel withdraw all forces from Gaza and ensure a cessation of war. These opposing stances have prevented previous ceasefire efforts, particularly since the March collapse of the previous truce.
Ongoing War Toll
The conflict started after Hamas had made a catastrophic attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. That attack had killed approximately 1,200 individuals and resulted in 251 Israelis being held hostage, as Israeli sources state.
In retaliation, Israel launched a huge military offensive throughout Gaza. Over 54,000 Palestinians have so far been killed, according to Gaza health officials. Most of the enclave was reduced to rubble, and access to aid is still restricted.
The US, Egypt, and Qatar are strongly promoting this ceasefire. The proposal would end the violence, reunite families, and provide vital assistance. If Hamas signs on, the 60-day calm may be a temporary reprieve. But until the underlying political demands shift, there will be no peace.
