US Proposes 60-Day Gaza Ceasefire: Will It Bring Real Change or Just Another Pause?

A New Ceasefire Proposal: What’s on the Table?

On May 30, 2025, the US unveiled a new 60-day ceasefire plan for Gaza, aiming to halt the devastating conflict between Israel and Hamas. The proposal, personally guaranteed by President Donald Trump and supported by mediators Egypt and Qatar, calls for a two-month pause in fighting, the release of Israeli hostages, and the exchange of Palestinian prisoners. Humanitarian aid would flow into Gaza as soon as Hamas signs on. Israel has accepted the plan, but Hamas is still reviewing it, seeking amendments. The plan’s main features include a phased release of 28 Israeli hostages (living and deceased) in the first week, 125 Palestinian prisoners released, and the return of 180 deceased Palestinians. The remaining 30 Israeli hostages would be freed only after a permanent ceasefire is agreed.

Hamas’s Response: Demands and Doubts

Hamas’s reaction to the US proposal has been cautious and critical. While expressing willingness to release 10 living and 18 deceased Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, Hamas insists on key changes: a permanent ceasefire, full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and unrestricted humanitarian aid. They argue the current plan lacks these guarantees and accuse Israel of past ceasefire violations. US envoy Steve Witkoff called Hamas’s response 'unacceptable' and urged them to accept the framework as a basis for talks. The lack of clear acceptance or rejection from Hamas reflects deep mistrust and the complex realities on the ground.

Israel’s Position: Security First, No Permanent Truce (Yet)

Israel’s stance remains firm: all hostages must be released, and Hamas must be dismantled as a military and governing force before any permanent end to the conflict. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly stated that Israel will only consider temporary suspensions of hostilities, not a permanent ceasefire, unless these conditions are met. Israeli officials also reject the idea of a full withdrawal from Gaza and insist on maintaining security control. This hardline position is shaped by the trauma of the October 2023 Hamas attack, which killed around 1,200 Israelis and led to the abduction of 251 hostages.

Humanitarian Crisis: Aid as a Lifeline and a Weapon

The ceasefire proposal comes amid a dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Over 54,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed, and the territory’s 2 million residents face starvation and displacement. Recent aid deliveries, coordinated by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, have been marred by violence, with Israeli forces accused of firing on civilians waiting for food. The UN and other agencies have criticized the aid system as inadequate, with only a trickle of supplies reaching those in need. Both sides accuse each other of weaponizing aid: Israel claims Hamas diverts supplies for military use, while Palestinians say Israel uses aid to control and punish the population.

International Mediation: The Role of the US, Egypt, and Qatar

The US has taken a leading role in brokering the ceasefire, with envoy Steve Witkoff pushing for a deal that balances Israeli security concerns with Palestinian demands for relief. Egypt and Qatar, long-time mediators in the region, are also central to the process. The US hopes the 60-day truce can serve as a stepping stone toward a longer-term agreement, but previous efforts have repeatedly collapsed amid mutual distrust. The Trump administration’s involvement is seen as a signal of Washington’s commitment, but also raises questions about impartiality and the ability to enforce any deal.

What’s at Stake: Hostages, Prisoners, and Political Futures

The fate of dozens of Israeli hostages and thousands of Palestinian prisoners hangs in the balance. For Israel, bringing home hostages is a top priority, but not at the cost of national security. For Hamas, releasing prisoners and achieving a permanent end to the war are central goals. Both sides face internal pressures: Netanyahu’s government is under fire from families of hostages and right-wing allies, while Hamas must maintain its credibility with Palestinians devastated by war. The outcome of the ceasefire talks could reshape political dynamics in both Israel and Gaza.

Skepticism and Hope: Can the Ceasefire Hold?

Many observers are skeptical about the prospects for lasting peace. Previous ceasefires have been short-lived, often breaking down over issues of aid delivery, prisoner exchanges, or renewed violence. Hamas fears Israel will use the truce to regroup militarily, while Israel worries that Hamas will rearm and reassert control. Humanitarian groups warn that without a genuine commitment to reconstruction and political change, the cycle of violence will continue. Still, some see the 60-day proposal as a rare opportunity to pause the bloodshed and open space for diplomacy.

The Voices on the Ground: Ordinary People Caught in the Middle

For ordinary Gazans and Israelis, the ceasefire talks are a matter of life and death. In Gaza, families struggle to survive amid bombed-out neighborhoods, scarce food, and constant fear. In Israel, hostage families campaign tirelessly for their loved ones’ release, haunted by uncertainty. Both populations are exhausted by war and desperate for relief. Social media is filled with stories of hope, anger, and heartbreak, reflecting the human cost of the conflict and the yearning for peace.

Looking Ahead: Will This Ceasefire Change the Course?

As of June 2, 2025, the fate of the US-brokered 60-day Gaza ceasefire remains uncertain. The proposal has created a fragile window for negotiation, but deep divisions persist. Whether this truce will lead to a permanent end to hostilities or simply set the stage for another round of violence depends on the willingness of leaders to compromise—and the ability of mediators to enforce the deal. The world watches, hoping that this time, the promise of peace will not be broken.