Is This the Deal That Finally Ends the Gaza War?

Israel Accepts US Ceasefire Proposal with Hamas: A Fragile Hope for Peace

In a significant development in the ongoing conflict, Israel has reportedly accepted a new US-backed proposal for a ceasefire with Hamas, raising hopes for a temporary reprieve in the devastating Gaza conflict. The proposal, spearheaded by US envoy Steve Witkoff, aims to secure the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

According to an Israeli official, the framework includes a phased release:

• Hamas releasing 10 living Israeli hostages and 18 deceased hostages.
• In return, Israel would release 125 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and 1,111 Gazans detained since the war began.
• Crucially, negotiations towards a permanent ceasefire would commence immediately on the first day of the 60-day truce.

However, the path to a lasting agreement remains fraught with challenges.

Hamas's Initial Response: A Cautious Rejection

Bassem Naim, a member of Hamas’s political bureau, expressed reservations, stating that the current framework "does not respond to any of our people’s demands, foremost among which is stopping the war and famine." Despite these concerns, Naim indicated that the movement's leadership is seriously studying the proposal.

Key Points of Contention:

• Guarantee of a Permanent Ceasefire: Hamas seeks firm assurances that negotiations will continue and fighting will not resume after the initial 60-day period.
• Humanitarian Aid: While the proposal stipulates immediate aid delivery "through agreed-upon channels," Hamas reportedly prefers aid distribution exclusively through United Nations channels.
• IDF Positions: Hamas is also requesting that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) withdraw to their positions held on March 2nd, prior to the recent escalation of military operations.

White House Confirmation and Ongoing Discussions

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that a ceasefire proposal was submitted to Hamas with Israel's backing, emphasizing the administration's priority to "return all of the hostages home."

Details of the Proposed Ceasefire

The agreement outlines a specific timeline for the release of hostages and prisoners:

• First Day: Half of the hostages and half of the prisoners would be released.
• Seventh Day: The remaining half of hostages and prisoners would be released.

The proposal also includes a clause allowing for the extension of the pause in fighting beyond the initial 60 days, "so long as the parties are negotiating in good faith."

Trump's Role and US Guarantees

The US, along with Egypt and Qatar, would guarantee the ceasefire agreement. Interestingly, the proposal also suggests that "President Trump will personally announce the ceasefire agreement."

Hamas's Counterpoints and Concerns

According to a senior Hamas official, the group has responded with three counterpoints, primarily seeking stronger assurances regarding the continuation of negotiations and the prevention of renewed hostilities.

Internal Israeli Opposition

While the Israeli government has reportedly accepted the proposal, it faces internal opposition. Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has condemned the potential agreement, while opposition leader Yair Lapid has urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to publicly support it.

A Tentative Step Towards De-escalation

The acceptance of the US ceasefire proposal by Israel represents a crucial, albeit tentative, step towards de-escalation in the region. While significant hurdles remain, including securing Hamas's full agreement and addressing their concerns about a lasting peace, the potential for a 60-day truce offers a glimmer of hope for civilians caught in the crossfire and a chance to facilitate the delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid to Gaza. The coming days will be critical in determining whether this fragile opportunity can be transformed into a more enduring resolution to the conflict.

Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/29/world/israel-us-proposal-ceasefire-hamas-latam-intl