The proposed ceasefire talks (deal) between Israel and Hamas has been met with conflicting reactions. According to sources, Hamas agreed to a US-proposed draft deal in a meeting with US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff in Doha. The proposal includes:
- A 60-day ceasefire
- Release of 10 living captives held in Gaza, over two stages
- US President Donald Trump would guarantee the terms of the deal and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza
- Entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza without conditions from day one
However, Witkoff rejected the notion that it was his proposal that Hamas had accepted, calling it “completely unacceptable”. A US source close to Witkoff also described Hamas’s claims as “inaccurate” and the Palestinian group’s offer as “disappointing”.
Meanwhile, Israeli officials denied that the proposal was from the US, stating that no Israeli government could accept it. Prime Minister Netanyahu has been under pressure to agree to a ceasefire, with some of Israel’s Western allies pushing for an end to the conflict.
The conflict has resulted in significant humanitarian suffering in Gaza, with:
- At least 81 people, including many children, killed in Israel’s attacks on Monday alone
- More than 95% of Gaza’s agricultural land unusable, according to the UN
- Severe restrictions on the entry of aid into the besieged enclave
Arab mediators and the UN have condemned Israel’s actions, labeling them a “flagrant violation” of international humanitarian law. Egypt and Qatar have also called for the resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Previous ceasefire agreements have been reached between Israel and Hamas, including a 42-day truce in January 2025, which included the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners. However, the ceasefire broke down in March 2025, and violence has escalated since then.
The current situation remains fragile, with tensions escalating and fears of returning to violent conflict. Families of hostages have urged negotiations to bring loved ones home, while humanitarian organizations have called for increased aid to Gaza.