Hamas Weighs U.S.–Brokered Gaza Ceasefire Plan, Calls Current Terms Inadequate

A U.S.-drafted ceasefire proposal that Israel says it has accepted is under review by Hamas, but the Palestinian group warns the plan in its present form would prolong bloodshed and famine in Gaza rather than end the war, as per Al Jazeera.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Thursday that Israel has “signed off” on the arrangement, which was delivered to Hamas by President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff. Hamas political-bureau member Basem Naim said the proposal “does not meet any of our people’s demands, foremost among them, halting the war,” though the movement is studying it “with full national responsibility.” A formal response is expected Friday or Saturday.

According to a copy seen by mediators:

• Initial truce: A 60-day cessation of hostilities.
• Prisoner exchange: Release of 28 Israeli hostages (alive and deceased) during the first week in exchange for 1,236 Palestinian prisoners and the remains of 180 Palestinians held by Israel.
• Humanitarian access: Immediate entry of aid convoys once Hamas signs.
• Guarantees: The plan would be underwritten by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar.

Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri said the draft includes no explicit commitment from Israel to end the war, withdraw its forces, or permit unrestricted aid—conditions Hamas considers non-negotiable.

Israel has not publicly confirmed its approval, but domestic media report that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told families of Israeli captives he is prepared to proceed. Some analysts suggest the prime minister may hope Hamas will reject the deal, allowing Israel to continue military operations while blaming the Palestinian group.

Earlier this week Hamas announced it had reached a “general framework” with Witkoff guaranteeing a permanent ceasefire, full Israeli withdrawal, and a post-war committee to administer Gaza. Witkoff and U.S. officials denied Hamas’s version, branding it inaccurate and unacceptable, while Israeli officials called it propaganda.

Israel resumed large-scale operations in Gaza on 18 March after ending a six-week truce. Since then, health authorities in Gaza say nearly 4,000 Palestinians have been killed, pushing the overall death toll past 54,000.