The White House has forwarded a cease-fire proposal, supported by Israel, to Hamas, aiming to facilitate humanitarian aid flow into Gaza amid mounting international calls to end the conflict and destruction in the region, according to U.S. and Israeli sources.
President Trump and his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, delivered the cease-fire framework to Hamas following Israel's approval, according to the White House press office. An Israeli official familiar with the plan stated that the initial phase would include a 60-day cease-fire and allow aid distribution through United Nations operations. While Hamas has not outright rejected the proposal, its representatives expressed concerns that the offer lacks sufficient assurances for ending hostilities.
During a press briefing, the White House press secretary emphasized ongoing discussions and expressed hope that a cease-fire in Gaza would enable the safe return of all hostages.
A spokesperson for the State Department noted that although Hamas's support for an Israel-backed cease-fire remains uncertain, officials are cautiously optimistic about the proposal, describing it as holding considerable potential.
However, significant hurdles remain, particularly over Israel’s insistence on retaining the right to resume military action should Hamas refuse to disarm, contrasted with Hamas’s demand for firm guarantees that any temporary cease-fire will lead to a permanent end to hostilities and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Following 18 months of conflict, any cessation of fighting would come amid growing impatience from the international community—including Israel’s allies—over efforts to de-escalate the Gaza military campaign. Several countries, including Germany, Italy, Britain, Canada, and France, have recently criticized Israel’s expanded military operations in Gaza and the rising civilian casualties.
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