US Proposes 60-Day Ceasefire in Gaza, Seeks Hostage Exchange and Path to Permanent Truce
Gaza — In a renewed diplomatic push to halt the bloodshed in Gaza, the United States has put forward a proposal for a 60-day ceasefire, aiming to lay the groundwork for a permanent end to hostilities between Israel and Hamas, according to a document seen by Reuters on Friday.
The plan, reportedly backed by US President Donald Trump and coordinated with Egypt and Qatar, outlines a phased truce that would begin with the release of 28 Israeli hostages—both alive and deceased—within the first week. In exchange, Israel would release 125 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences, along with the return of the remains of 180 Palestinians killed during the conflict.
According to the proposal, humanitarian aid shipments would begin flowing into the besieged Gaza Strip immediately upon Hamas’ endorsement of the ceasefire agreement.
The next stage of the plan includes the release of the remaining 30 Israeli hostages after a permanent ceasefire is secured. The White House confirmed Thursday that Israel has agreed to the terms outlined in the proposal, marking a potential breakthrough in negotiations that have remained stalled for months.
Deep Disputes Remain
Hamas, which has been reviewing the proposal, is expected to issue a response by Friday or Saturday. Despite hopes of progress, significant gaps remain between both sides.
Israel has maintained that it will not agree to a permanent ceasefire unless Hamas is fully dismantled and disarmed, and all hostages are returned. Hamas, however, has consistently rejected demands to surrender its weapons and has insisted on a complete Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza and an end to the war.
War’s Heavy Toll
The conflict began after Hamas launched a surprise assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures. In response, Israel initiated a massive military campaign in Gaza that has since claimed the lives of more than 54,000 Palestinians, according to health authorities in the enclave.
The war has devastated Gaza, leaving large swathes in ruins and displacing hundreds of thousands of civilians. Humanitarian organizations continue to warn of catastrophic conditions, especially amid limited access to medical care, clean water, and essential supplies.
Next Steps
While the US proposal marks one of the most detailed plans for a cessation of hostilities to date, success hinges on Hamas’ acceptance and the ability of mediators to bridge the core disagreements. International observers are watching closely to see whether this ceasefire plan will finally bring an end to one of the deadliest conflicts in the region’s recent history.
