A ray of peace in Gaza: Israel accepts US ceasefire proposal, what is Hamas's stance? Know the latest update

Gaza: There is a big hope towards stopping the 15-month-long Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. The White House confirmed on 29 May 2025 that Israel has accepted the ceasefire agreement proposed by US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff. The proposal includes a temporary ceasefire of 60 days, the release of 10 live Israeli hostages, the return of the bodies of 18 dead hostages, and the resumption of humanitarian aid in Gaza. Now all eyes are on the stance of Hamas, which has promised to review the proposal, but has not yet confirmed formal consent. 

Details of the ceasefire proposal

The proposal, prepared by US special envoy Steve Witkoff, was conveyed to both sides through mediators from Egypt and Qatar. Its key points are:

1. 60-day ceasefire: Israel will stop military action in Gaza and withdraw some of its military troops.
2. Hostage and prisoner exchange: Hamas will hand over 10 live hostages and the bodies of 18 dead hostages, while Israel will release several Palestinian prisoners.
3. Humanitarian aid: The flow of aid trucks, including food, medicines, and fuel, will be restored in Gaza.
4. Negotiations for permanent peace: Negotiations for permanent peace will begin during the ceasefire.

White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt said, "This proposal is an important step toward stopping the devastating war in Gaza and ensuring the release of hostages."

Israel's consent and Netanyahu's stance

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accepted the proposal and informed the families of the hostages that his government is committed to this agreement. However, Netanyahu made it clear that this is only a temporary ceasefire and his ultimate goal is to completely eliminate Hamas. Israeli media reported that Netanyahu has called a meeting of the Security Cabinet to approve the deal.

Hamas' stance: Positive but cautious

Senior Hamas leader Bassem Naim told Reuters that they have received the proposal through mediators, and they are "studying it responsibly". Hamas had earlier said that they demand a permanent ceasefire, complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and Palestinian self-rule. Naim accused Israel of weaponizing hunger, saying that their main demands are to stop war and famine.

Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya said in a televised speech, "We have taken the proposal positively, but our conditions are clear—permanent peace and the independence of Gaza." However, some Israeli sources claimed that Hamas' conditions are "unacceptable" because they undermine Israel's war goals.

Gaza's humanitarian crisis

Israel launched a large-scale military operation on Gaza after Hamas's attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, which killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. According to Gaza health officials, more than 54,000 Palestinians have been killed in this war so far, mostly women and children. 90% of Gaza's population has been displaced, and there is a threat of starvation. The recent stampede at a food distribution center in Rafah, in which 3 people were killed and 46 injured, has highlighted the severity of the humanitarian crisis.