Gaza City / Washington, D.C. — June 1, 2025
Hamas has formally responded to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire proposal by offering to release 10 living hostages and the bodies of 18 more in exchange for a negotiated release of Palestinian prisoners currently held by Israel. The development comes as part of an effort spearheaded by U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, to end the devastating conflict between Israel and Hamas, now in its twentieth month.
In a carefully worded statement issued late Saturday, Hamas confirmed that it had presented its position to the mediators involved in the ongoing negotiations. It declared that the proposed agreement calls for a permanent ceasefire, the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, and unimpeded humanitarian access to the civilian population.
“This proposal,” the Hamas statement read, “aims to achieve a lasting ceasefire, ensure a complete pullout of occupation forces from the Gaza Strip, and facilitate the steady delivery of aid to our people.” The group said its position was the outcome of internal consultations among Palestinian factions, hinting at a broader consensus among Gaza’s political leadership.
While the statement did not publicly request amendments, a senior Palestinian official familiar with the discussions told international media that Hamas had proposed minor modifications, though its overall tone was described as “positive.”
Israel’s Reaction Unclear, but Hints of Convergence
The Israeli government has yet to formally respond to the latest developments. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office declined to comment, continuing a pattern of reticence during sensitive phases of negotiation. However, Israeli media outlets have reported that Netanyahu informed families of the remaining hostages earlier this week that Israel had tentatively agreed to the U.S.-proposed terms.
Despite this, deep divisions persist between the two sides, especially concerning core issues that have derailed prior ceasefire attempts. Israel has maintained that any truce is contingent on Hamas disarming, surrendering control of Gaza, and returning the estimated 58 hostages still held. Hamas continues to reject calls for disarmament, arguing that its weapons are a legitimate tool of resistance and insisting that Israel must commit to ending the military campaign and withdrawing its troops.
Humanitarian Stakes Amid Prolonged Warfare
The ongoing war, triggered by Hamas’ coordinated cross-border assault on October 7, 2023—which left 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 kidnapped—has inflicted unprecedented suffering in Gaza. The Israeli military’s subsequent response has devastated infrastructure across the enclave.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, more than 54,000 Palestinians have died, and the region now faces a humanitarian crisis described by aid groups as among the worst in modern history. Most hospitals are non-functional, hundreds of thousands are displaced, and basic necessities such as food, water, and medicine remain in short supply.
Aid agencies have repeatedly warned that continued conflict risks famine-like conditions, particularly in northern and central Gaza, where access for humanitarian convoys has been most restricted.
The Hamas leadership underscored the urgent need for aid as part of the ceasefire arrangement, stating that “ensuring uninterrupted aid delivery is non-negotiable.” The statement also emphasized that any resolution should include “international guarantees to prevent further aggression.”
U.S. Diplomatic Push Faces Complex Terrain
The ceasefire proposal crafted by Witkoff marks one of Washington’s most significant interventions in the conflict since its escalation in late 2023. The Trump administration has leaned heavily on regional actors, including Egypt and Qatar, to act as intermediaries between Hamas and Israel.
Washington’s plan, described by officials as “a phased approach,” proposes an initial exchange of hostages and prisoners, followed by a gradual drawdown of military operations, with eventual transition to a comprehensive truce. International monitors would oversee the process and ensure compliance from both parties.
While American officials have not disclosed the full details, the release of 10 hostages and 18 bodies reportedly marks the first step in a multi-stage implementation. A U.S. State Department official said the Biden administration hopes this move “could establish momentum toward a durable end to the war.”
Domestic Political Pressures Weigh on Netanyahu
The hostage issue remains highly sensitive in Israel, where public anger has intensified over the government’s handling of the conflict and the fate of those still captive in Gaza. Relatives of hostages have repeatedly demonstrated outside government buildings in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, demanding a swift agreement for their loved ones’ return.
Netanyahu, under pressure from both his right-wing coalition partners and the families of hostages, is attempting to balance military objectives with growing public demands for a ceasefire.
Meanwhile, far-right factions within the Israeli government have warned against concessions, particularly any deal that leaves Hamas in control of Gaza or results in mass prisoner releases. These internal divisions may pose a significant obstacle to Israel fully embracing the ceasefire plan.
Hamas Under Strain but Seeking Strategic Leverage
For Hamas, the current deal offers a potential political and tactical reprieve. The group, whose leadership has been repeatedly targeted in Israeli airstrikes, faces dwindling resources and shrinking territorial control.
Still, Hamas appears to be seeking leverage by framing the hostage exchange as part of a broader diplomatic shift. The group’s rhetoric has focused on the “legitimacy” of its demands and the necessity of ending what it views as a decades-long siege.
Analysts suggest Hamas may be hoping that international recognition of a negotiated agreement could help rehabilitate its image and bolster its influence within Palestinian politics, especially in the face of growing criticism from rival factions and civilian populations in Gaza.
Possible Road Ahead: Delicate Steps Toward De-escalation
If both parties agree to the current framework, the next phase would involve complex logistical operations. International mediators would supervise prisoner releases, monitor ceasefire implementation, and oversee aid distribution. Such a process would likely require UN or Red Cross coordination, and the success would depend heavily on sustained cooperation and transparency.
However, risks remain high. Previous agreements have collapsed over disputes concerning the scope of prisoner releases, the timeline for military withdrawal, and guarantees of non-renewed hostilities. Any misstep or violation could trigger renewed fighting, as seen in multiple failed attempts since March.
While both sides have signaled a readiness to explore a path forward, mistrust continues to run deep, and the prospect of a final settlement remains far from assured.
Hamas’ conditional acceptance of the U.S.-mediated ceasefire proposal represents the most concrete diplomatic development in months of brutal conflict. While cautious optimism is warranted, the success of this deal hinges on Israel’s reciprocal commitments and the ability of international actors to sustain dialogue amid volatile political pressures.
As both parties weigh the cost of continued war against the possibilities of negotiated peace, the fate of the hostages, the suffering of Gaza’s civilians, and the stability of the wider region hang in the balance. The coming days will reveal whether this proposal can become a foundation for de-escalation—or another chapter in a conflict without end.
