Hamas Considers U.S. Cease-Fire Proposal Amid Ongoing Conflict in Gaza

In a significant development, Hamas has acknowledged receiving a cease-fire proposal from the United States that could pause hostilities in Gaza for at least 60 days while facilitating the release of hostages. Over the weeks, U.S. officials have been actively working to broker a new truce after Israel resumed offensive operations following the collapse of a two-month cease-fire earlier in March. Hamas has not publicly accepted or declined the proposal but indicated that it had conducted national discussions regarding the cease-fire and the possibility of securing a long-term resolution.

Hamas stated that their response involved consultations aimed at establishing a permanent cease-fire, including calls for a complete Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza alongside improved humanitarian aid access for Palestinian civilians. The cease-fire framework pitched by Steve Witkoff, President Trump's special envoy for the Middle East, centers on stopping violence for two months, releasing hostages in exchange for Palestinian detainees, and setting the stage for extended negotiations to ultimately end the conflict.

Israeli officials estimate that around 20 live hostages remain, in addition to over 30 deceased individuals, prompting Hamas negotiators to express their readiness to release all hostages in exchange for an end to hostilities and a retreat of Israeli forces from Gaza. As discussions continue, both parties appear to be exploring conditions that could lead to a more sustainable peace and improve the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.