Tel Aviv: In a significant diplomatic development, the United States has prepared a 60-day ceasefire proposal aimed at halting hostilities between Israel and Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled his willingness to consider the plan, marking a potential breakthrough in the months-long conflict that has gripped the Gaza Strip.
Under the terms of the proposed agreement, both parties would cease military operations for a period of 60 days. During this time, Israel has agreed not to block humanitarian aid destined for Gaza. In return, Hamas is expected to release 28 Israeli hostages currently in its custody—though reports suggest some of them may already be deceased.
In a reciprocal gesture, Israel has agreed to free 125 Palestinian prisoners and to return the bodies of 180 deceased individuals to Hamas. The deal is designed to open a pathway to longer-term negotiations, with both sides under increasing international pressure to de-escalate.
The ceasefire proposal has received support not only from U.S. President Donald Trump but also from key mediators Egypt and Qatar. On Thursday, the White House confirmed that Israel had accepted the terms of the agreement. Hamas has not yet officially agreed but has stated it is seriously reviewing the offer and will announce a decision by Friday or Saturday.
Analysts suggest Hamas is likely to agree, as the continuation of the conflict could mean further restrictions on humanitarian aid reaching Gaza—an outcome the group would be eager to avoid given the dire humanitarian conditions. European countries, including Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, have also amplified diplomatic pressure in recent weeks, passing resolutions condemning the violence and calling for an immediate ceasefire.
Greta Thunberg to Visit Gaza as Part of Humanitarian Convoy
Amidst mounting international scrutiny, climate activist Greta Thunberg is expected to arrive in Gaza on Sunday aboard a humanitarian aid vessel. French-Palestinian MP Rima Hassan, who confirmed her participation, will accompany Thunberg on the mission. The trip has been organized by the Freedom Flotilla, a coalition of NGOs working to deliver aid to the besieged population of Gaza.
Their voyage comes just days after an incident in which Israeli forces reportedly fired upon diplomats from 31 countries during a visit to Gaza. The situation has intensified calls from Europe and Muslim-majority countries, including Turkey, urging both the U.S. and Israel to halt military operations and prioritize civilian safety.
As the world watches closely, the coming days will be critical in determining whether this ceasefire initiative can bring a temporary respite to a conflict that has cost thousands of lives and destabilized the region.
