The United States has unveiled a new proposal aimed at halting the war in Gaza, outlining a 60-day ceasefire that would include the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, as well as expanded humanitarian aid to the besieged territory.
According to a document seen by news outlets, the plan—backed by U.S. President Donald Trump and mediated by Egypt and Qatar—calls for Hamas to release 28 Israeli hostages, both alive and deceased, in the first week of the truce. In exchange, Israel would free 1,236 Palestinian prisoners and return the remains of 180 Palestinians killed in the conflict.
The proposal also includes the immediate entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza once Hamas signs the agreement. Aid would be coordinated through the United Nations, the Red Crescent, and other pre-approved channels. The plan’s details were confirmed by the White House on Thursday, which stated that Israel had accepted the terms presented by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly briefed the families of hostages, assuring them that his government had endorsed the U.S. initiative. Meanwhile, Hamas said it was reviewing the proposal and would issue a response within days.
The ceasefire would require Israel to halt military operations as soon as the truce takes effect. Israeli troops would also begin a staged withdrawal from Gaza under the plan. Hamas would release the remaining 30 hostages once a permanent ceasefire agreement is reached.
Previous ceasefire attempts have failed due to deep-rooted disagreements between the two sides. Israel has demanded Hamas disarm and surrender its governance role in Gaza. Hamas, for its part, has insisted on a complete Israeli military withdrawal and a clear commitment to ending the war.
The conflict was triggered by a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed about 1,200 people and led to the capture of 251 hostages, according to Israeli officials. Israel’s military response has since killed more than 54,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities, and devastated much of the enclave.
The new U.S. proposal comes as international criticism of Israel’s campaign intensifies. European nations have joined calls for a ceasefire and an expanded aid effort to stave off famine in Gaza, where the U.N. estimates 2 million people are at risk of starvation.
On the ground, aid operations remain chaotic. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a U.S.-backed private initiative also endorsed by Israel, has struggled to distribute food effectively. The foundation launched its aid program this week but faced disorder at distribution sites, raising further concerns about the humanitarian crisis.
Despite challenges, U.S. officials remain hopeful. “I have good feelings about reaching both a temporary and long-term resolution,” said Witkoff on Wednesday, as discussions continue behind the scenes.
