Displaced Palestinians girls carry a jerrycan after collecting water from a distribution point at a tent camp in Muwasi, an area that Israel has designated as a safe zone, in Khan Younis southern Gaza Strip, Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)
UPDATE: A groundbreaking ceasefire proposal has just been announced by the U.S. aimed at ending the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. The plan outlines an immediate cessation of hostilities and the return of hostages, but key uncertainties remain regarding compliance and governance.
According to the proposal, within 72 hours of agreement from all sides, Hamas is expected to release 48 living and deceased hostages to Israel. In return, Israel would release 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences alongside 1,700 Gazan residents detained during the war. Humanitarian aid is set to flow into Gaza, with distribution managed by the United Nations and the Red Crescent.
The plan’s language suggests a potential sidelining of the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, emphasizing instead that Hamas must agree to “decommission” its weapons and dismantle military infrastructure. This shift aims to facilitate a transitional governing body led by “qualified Palestinians and international experts,” with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair at the helm, to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is promoting the proposal as a significant achievement for Israel’s security goals, claiming that it will facilitate the release of hostages while keeping troops stationed in Gaza indefinitely. In his latest video address, Netanyahu framed the proposal as a clear victory for Israel, although he firmly denied any agreement towards a Palestinian state.
With overwhelming support from Arab nations, including Qatar and Egypt, the U.S. proposal is gaining traction as the most serious effort to end the conflict to date. The backing from these countries is critical as they hold significant influence over Hamas. However, initial reactions from Hamas officials have been negative, with one member stating that the plan aligns closely with Israeli interests.
Hamas faces a challenging dilemma: accepting the deal’s stringent conditions or risking further isolation from its Arab allies. The organization’s chief, Mahmoud Mardawi, indicated that while they would review the proposal, their initial response is not favorable. The pressure is mounting for Hamas to agree, but they may leverage vague language in the proposal regarding disarmament to maintain some semblance of autonomy.
Should Hamas reject the proposals, it could face dire repercussions, as President Donald Trump has signaled he would support Israel’s continued military operations in Gaza. Netanyahu has echoed this sentiment, asserting that Israel would persist with military action if Hamas fails to comply.
The proposal is not without its critics. Within Israel, far-right politicians are voicing their discontent, questioning whether Hamas might intentionally refuse the deal to provoke renewed conflict. To navigate these political challenges, Netanyahu is reportedly avoiding a cabinet vote on the proposal to maintain coalition stability.
As global leaders urge all parties to seize this opportunity, the situation remains volatile. The next steps are crucial; if the hostage-prisoner exchange and ceasefire materialize, it could pave the way for a new phase in Gaza’s tumultuous history. However, the potential for failure looms large as complexities around governance, disarmament, and humanitarian aid continue to surface.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story, as the world watches closely how this critical proposal unfolds.
