Former President Donald Trump unveiled a United States-supported ceasefire proposal designed to end the 21-month Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, calling for a 60-day truce, phased hostage exchanges, humanitarian assistance and military adjustments — but facing serious roadblocks from both parties.
Trump’s proposal calls for a 60-Day Pause with Hostage Exchanges
At its heart lies Trump’s proposal of a 60-day ceasefire during which Hamas would release around 10 living Israeli hostages and return 18 other remains over time, in exchange for Israel potentially freeing Palestinian prisoners. Furthermore, under this truce Israel would withdraw troops to designated buffer zones along the borders with Gaza and Egypt but this withdrawal may not involve full withdrawal (Drop Site News @ +15; Times Union@ +15 and AP News at +15).
Humanitarian Relief & Aid Access
One key part of the plan involves intensifying humanitarian operations. UN agencies and the Palestinian Red Crescent would coordinate humanitarian aid deliveries that would bring daily truckloads of food, water, fuel, medical supplies and medical devices into Gaza (AP News +2; Times Union +2; WCAX +2).
Military Adjustments, Not Withdrawals
Instead of fully withdrawing Israel’s military forces, this proposal calls for targeted withdrawals to buffer zones and an end to airstrikes. Israel would still retain limited operations capabilities should Hamas violate terms; thus highlighting national security concerns (PBS +10, The Times +10 and AP News each offer 10% bonuses for signing this accord).
Critics Note the Proposal Stops Short of Comprehensive End to War
Critics point out the proposal falls short of providing a complete end to hostilities between Israel and Hamas, since Hamas demands full Israeli withdrawal and permanent cessation of hostilities; neither are met by this current proposal. Israel maintains their demand that Hamas disarm and collapse before fully ending this conflict, according to TIME.
Initial Reaction
Hamas has so far responded positively, showing interest in negotiation and minor adjustments relating to long-term peace – particularly around linking temporary ceasefire to long-term peace, as reported by ElHuffPost and Financial Times +10, respectively. Reuters was also positive.
Israel has agreed in principle to negotiate, though conditions such as disarming Hamas and an end to war rather than just a temporary ceasefire remain firm, according to AP News. Key Obstacles to Success :
Differing end-state goals: Hamas seeks full withdrawal and permanent peace, while Israel insists upon disarmament first (AP News).
Trust deficit: Previous ceasefires have collapsed due to mistrust and mutual accusations (The Washington Post + Times Union = +1).
Oversight and Enforcement: Ensuring the integrity of the truce, monitoring buffer zones, and verifying compliance remain outstanding issues (AP News/Times Union/4th Financial Times etc).
U.S. Leverage: Experts believe President Trump must exert pressure on Netanyahu by linking future U.S. military aid directly with any hardline positions taken by Israel, in order to push it away from hardline positions (Al Jazeera/ABCNews.go.com +1/).
Can It End the War? A 60-day truce may provide critical humanitarian relief and an effective platform for dialogue. Furthermore, hostages could potentially return – creating another positive humanitarian outcome – but without strong enforcement mechanisms and clear commitments on Gaza’s future as well as an action plan leading toward lasting peace a truce may simply become another temporary pause rather than taking significant steps towards resolution.
What Are Our Next Steps? Negotiations continue between Doha and Washington under mediation from Egypt, the U.S., and Qatar.
Netanyahu and Trump coordinate messaging; U.S. officials such as Steve Witkoff, Marco Rubio and the White House are pushing for an accord that will ultimately be finalized; these efforts have been covered in The Guardian, AP News and Financial Times as part of an international news coverage synapse;
Implementation challenges ahead include logistics for buffer zones and aid coordination as well as potential triggers that could end or resume hostilities.
International oversight may increase, but lasting peace depends on more than simply a ceasefire: it requires breaking through political impasse and forging lasting agreements for Gaza’s future.