Gaza Ceasefire: Hamas Response Awaited – US & Israel
- The United States and Israel are currently awaiting a response from Hamas regarding a proposed 60-day Gaza ceasefire, according to the White House.
- The draft agreement,if accepted,would see Hamas release 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 deceased hostages.
- White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that discussions are ongoing, expressing hope for a ceasefire in Gaza to facilitate the return of all hostages.
The U.S. and Israel brace for Hamas’s crucial response too a 60-day Gaza ceasefire proposition, a pivotal moment unfolding. This potential deal, endorsed by Israel, hinges on Hamas’s approval and could secure the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners. The proposal outlines the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian detainees, alongside a surge of humanitarian aid. Bassem Naim of Hamas has voiced concerns,while senior figures weigh their next move,seeking U.S. assurances. A temporary halt to all military operations awaits the outcome. The News Directory 3 reports on the situation, and the fate of a lasting peace hangs in the balance. explore the complete details and discover what’s next as the hostage release agreement hangs in the balance.
U.S.and Israel Await Hamas response to Gaza Ceasefire Proposal
Updated May 30, 2025
The United States and Israel are currently awaiting a response from Hamas regarding a proposed 60-day Gaza ceasefire, according to the White House. The proposal, which Israel has already signed off on, was submitted to Hamas by special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Trump.
The draft agreement,if accepted,would see Hamas release 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 deceased hostages. In exchange, Israel would release 125 prisoners serving life sentences and 1,111 Palestinian detainees, along with the remains of 180 deceased Palestinians. Humanitarian aid would also be immediately sent into Gaza through the United Nations and Red Crescent.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that discussions are ongoing, expressing hope for a ceasefire in Gaza to facilitate the return of all hostages. She clarified that any declaration of a deal would come directly from her, Witkoff, or the president.
Though, Bassem Naim, a senior Hamas official, stated that the proposal “fails to meet any of our people’s demands, foremost among them an end to the war and famine.” Despite this, he added that the movement’s leadership is studying the response with “full national duty.”
A senior Hamas figure involved in negotiations indicated they are carefully considering the proposal but seek assurances from the U.S. that Israel will not attack Gaza during the 60-day ceasefire.
The proposed agreement stipulates that all Israeli offensive military activities in Gaza would cease upon acceptance. Aerial movement in the Gaza Strip would also be suspended for 10 hours daily, or 12 hours during hostage and prisoner exchanges. Negotiations for a permanent ceasefire, including discussions on troop redeployment and long-term security, would commence immediately.
President Trump has expressed optimism about reaching an agreement, stating they are “very close.” He is expected to personally announce the hostage release agreement once finalized.
“I can confirm that special envoy Witkoff and the president submitted a ceasefire proposal to Hamas that Israel backed and supported,” Leavitt said. “Israel signed off on this proposal before it was sent to Hamas.”
What’s next
The world now awaits Hamas’s official response, which will then be transmitted to President Trump and Witkoff, possibly paving the way for a crucial de-escalation in the region.