Israel Accepts US-Backed Gaza Ceasefire Proposal; Hamas Still Wary of Truce Terms

A significant step Israel Accepts US-Backed Gaza Ceasefire Proposal; Hamas Still Wary of Truce Terms. In an important decision towards a possible halt in the devastating Israel-Gaza conflict has emerged as Israel has formally accepted a new US-backed ceasefire proposal, according to the White House.

The deal, which includes a 60-day truce, hostage releases, and the restoration of United Nations-led aid distribution in Gaza, was delivered to Hamas for consideration by President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff.

However, while Israel has agreed to the proposal, Hamas remains cautious, labeling the current plan as falling short of their demands and warning that it could prolong suffering in the besieged Palestinian enclave.

Israel Accepts US-Backed Gaza Ceasefire Proposal; Hamas Still Wary of Truce Terms

Details of the Gaza Ceasefire Proposal Remain Confidential

Although the White House confirmed on Thursday that Israel had “signed off” on the new ceasefire proposal, it refrained from disclosing specific terms.

Leaks from both Israeli and US officials familiar with the matter indicate that the truce includes a 60-day pause in fighting, release of 28 hostages (including 10 living and 18 deceased), and the resumption of humanitarian aid under UN oversight.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a new US- and Israeli-backed nonprofit, began limited aid operations this week. However, chaotic scenes, including large crowds overrunning distribution points, highlighted the fragile situation on the ground.

Hamas Responds with Skepticism, Citing Unmet Core Demands

In response to the ceasefire offer, Hamas stated that it is “consulting with Palestinian factions” and “studying the proposal with full national responsibility.” Nonetheless, top officials from the group have already expressed dissatisfaction.

Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior Hamas official, said the plan “does not contain commitments to end the war, withdraw Israeli forces, or allow unfettered aid” into Gaza key demands that Hamas insists must be met before any long-term deal is signed.

Another Hamas political leader, Bassem Naim, wrote on social media that the plan essentially replicates Israeli talking points and “perpetuates the occupation.”

Witkoff Denies Hamas’s Version of Events

Confusion deepened after Hamas claimed it had already reached a general agreement with Steve Witkoff, stating the framework included a full Israeli withdrawal, a permanent ceasefire, and the establishment of a neutral Palestinian committee to govern Gaza.

However, Witkoff strongly denied these assertions, calling Hamas’s claims “completely unacceptable” and part of a propaganda campaign. An anonymous US official told Al Jazeera that the statements were “inaccurate” and “disappointing,” suggesting the two sides remain far apart despite apparent progress.

Netanyahu’s Strategy: A Tactical Gamble?

Israeli media reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed the families of hostages still held in Gaza that he was ready to proceed with Witkoff’s proposal. But some analysts suggest this move may be strategic posturing.

Akiva Eldar, a political analyst, told Al Jazeera that Netanyahu’s early agreement could be an attempt to appear conciliatory while expecting Hamas to reject the offer. “It’s not the first time Netanyahu agrees to terms knowing the other side cannot accept them, to paint them as obstructionists,” Eldar said.

Aid Crisis in Gaza Deepens Amid Truce Talks

While diplomatic negotiations continue, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens by the day. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, over 54,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began in October 2023, triggered by a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel that killed 1,200 Israelis and led to the abduction of 251 hostages.

The 11-week Israeli blockade on Gaza has pushed over 2 million people to the brink of famine, according to UN officials. Although Israel partially lifted the blockade on May 19, the aid flow remains insufficient. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres criticized the effort, calling it a “teaspoon” of what’s truly needed.

Gaza Humanitarian Foundation Faces Scrutiny

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US-supported initiative, has taken over some aid responsibilities, but its controversial debut has raised questions. On Tuesday, desperate Palestinians overwhelmed one distribution site, forcing private security to retreat.

Despite criticism from the United Nations and other major aid organizations, the GHF claims to have delivered more than 2.1 million meals in four days and plans to expand operations.

The foundation’s existence reflects Israel’s intent to bypass Hamas in aid delivery, but it has done little to ease tension or silence critics.

Ceasefire Uncertainty and International Pressure

While the Witkoff ceasefire proposal has added a new dimension to negotiations, the deep divide between Israel’s insistence on Hamas’s disarmament and Hamas’s demand for full Israeli withdrawal continues to block a permanent solution.

US envoy Steve Witkoff remains optimistic, stating this week, “I have some very good feelings about getting to a long-term resolution.” But the reality on the ground suggests that any deal will be extremely difficult to implement without serious compromises.

Meanwhile, international pressure on Israel continues to mount. Several European nations traditionally supportive of Israel have begun openly demanding a ceasefire and a massive humanitarian relief effort.

The Road Ahead: Hope or More Bloodshed?

The latest Gaza ceasefire proposal represents perhaps the most tangible step toward peace in months, but success is far from guaranteed. If Hamas rejects the terms, the risk of another prolonged phase of violence looms large.

Both sides remain entrenched in irreconcilable demands a familiar stalemate that has now cost tens of thousands of lives and devastated the region. The world watches anxiously to see whether this ceasefire initiative will finally lead to relief or mark yet another missed opportunity for peace in Gaza.

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