US unveils high-stakes 60-day Gaza truce as Israel agrees and Hamas resists

The United States has introduced a high-stakes 60-day ceasefire proposal aimed at halting the months-long war in Gaza — garnering Israel’s swift approval but a hesitant, critical response from Hamas.

The draft, seen by Reuters and confirmed by multiple sources, would see the immediate exchange of captives and prisoners: Hamas would release 28 Israeli hostages — both alive and deceased—within the first week, while Israel would free 125 Palestinians serving life sentences and return the remains of 180 others.

The Trump administration, backed by mediation from Egypt and Qatar, is spearheading the initiative as a potential on-ramp to a broader truce. Crucially, the deal calls for humanitarian aid to begin flowing into Gaza immediately upon Hamas’s acceptance.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly told hostage families that his government is on board. The White House confirmed May 29 that Israel has endorsed the plan.

But in Gaza, Hamas has responded with sharp skepticism. Senior official Bassem Naim told The Associated Press that the proposal "does not respond to any of our people’s demands, foremost among which is stopping the war and famine."

Another senior Hamas figure, Sami Abu Zuhri, criticized the draft for “reflecting Israeli positions” and lacking clear commitments to ending hostilities, withdrawing Israeli troops, or ensuring sufficient aid.

Deep divides, familiar stalemates

The proposed truce is the latest in a string of stalled diplomatic efforts since the previous ceasefire collapsed in March. Central sticking points remain unchanged:

• Israel demands the complete disarmament of Hamas and the return of all remaining 58 hostages before agreeing to end the war.
• Hamas refuses to relinquish arms and is calling for a total Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a permanent ceasefire.

Despite this, Hamas has floated a compromise: handing over political control of Gaza to an independent Palestinian committee tasked with overseeing post-war reconstruction—if a lasting ceasefire is secured.

Famine looms, aid struggles to break through

Under the plan, humanitarian aid would be greenlit the moment Hamas agrees. The US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) expanded its distribution efforts on Thursday, adding a third aid site. So far, roughly 1.8 million meals have been distributed.

However, relief agencies say the aid operation remains dangerously inadequate. The U.N. has criticized the effort as chaotic and mismanaged. The World Food Programme warns that the near-total blockade has pushed Gaza’s 2 million people to the brink of famine.

War's toll: Devastation on both sides

The war, now nearing its ninth month, was ignited on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli sources.

Israel's military response has been overwhelming. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports over 54,000 Palestinians killed. Massive aerial and ground assaults have reduced much of Gaza to rubble.

Roughly 90% of Gaza's population has been displaced, many now surviving in overcrowded shelters or makeshift tents—without reliable food, water, or medical aid.

The proposed ceasefire may offer a moment of respite. But unless both sides make major concessions, the 60-day plan risks becoming yet another paper promise in a war with no end in sight.