Hamas has responded to a U.S.-mediated proposal for a temporary truce in the war ravaged Gaza Strip which have been plagued by mass destruction and a growing threat of starvation, since October 7,2023. While the group did not reject the proposal outright, it requested several amendments to the draft, which had already been approved by Israeli officials.
The militant group has emphasized that its position centers on achieving a permanent ceasefire, ensuring the full withdrawal of Israeli military forces from Gaza, and facilitating the unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid into the besieged enclave. Under the proposed framework, Hamas would release ten Israeli hostages believed to be alive and return the remains of eighteen others in exchange for the release of a large number of Palestinian prisoners.
According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the organization’s response includes a number of requested revisions. These involve clarifications and changes to the timing of hostage releases, the logistical framework for delivering aid, the sequence of Israeli military withdrawal, and the nature of guarantees provided by the United States.
Despite these proposed changes, U.S. officials have described Hamas’ response as counterproductive. American mediators consider the original proposal sufficient to begin indirect negotiations — known as proximity talks — that would serve as a stepping stone toward a broader ceasefire agreement. The United States remains committed to using the current framework to establish a 60-day truce, during which phased hostage releases and substantive political discussions could take place.
A draft version of the deal obtained by media outlines several key points. According to draft, Israel would free 125 Palestinian captives serving life imprisonment, in addition to 1,111 other detainees. The Rest of the 180 Palestinians would also be released. In exchange, Hamas would begin releasing hostages in stages. Humanitarian assistance, including food, water, and medical supplies, would begin flowing into Gaza immediately upon agreement to the deal.
No immediate response has been issued by Israeli officials regarding the new requests submitted by Hamas. Similarly, other mediators involved in the negotiation process, including Egypt and Qatar, have not made public statements. However, diplomatic efforts are reportedly ongoing, with discussions aimed at narrowing the remaining gaps between the parties.
The White House has previously indicated that the negotiations were nearing a potential breakthrough. While that momentum has slowed in light of Hamas’ proposed amendments, the door to a formal agreement has not closed. The situation remains fluid, with continued pressure from both regional and international actors to reach a resolution.
Conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate, intensifying the urgency for a ceasefire. Humanitarian groups report acute lack of indispensible supplies, with millions of peoples facing forced displacement,starvation and lack of emergency medical care. According to local health body, more than 30,000 people have been killed in the strip since the beginning of the severe conflict in October 2023.
In Israel, domestic pressure has also increased, especially from the families of hostages who are demanding swift action to ensure the safe return of their loved ones. The Israeli government faces a difficult balance between maintaining its security objectives and responding to public demand for a resolution.
The proposed ceasefire agreement is the most significant diplomatic initiative in several months aimed at halting the violence. It contains provisions not only for prisoner and hostage exchanges but also for humanitarian access and a possible roadmap to longer-term stability in the region.
Hamas’ call for further revisions reflects its demand for firmer guarantees, particularly relating the sustainability of the ceasefire and the conditions on the ground following a potential Israeli withdrawal. At the same time, the U.S. and its allies see the current framework as a viable entry point for serious negotiations, even if final details are still under discussion.
The next several days will likely be critical. If an agreement is reached, it could initiate a 60-day truce period involving mutual concessions and international oversight. If talks halt, however, the hope for a recess in the terrible fighting may go in vain, and the humanitarian disaster in the strip could deteriorated further.
