On May 26, a senior Palestinian official stated that Hamas had agreed to a ceasefire proposal allegedly attributed to U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff. The terms reportedly included a 70-day truce, the release of 10 Israeli hostages in two phases, a partial withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, and the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
However, both the United States and Israel quickly distanced themselves from the proposal. Steve Witkoff, whose name was linked to the document, categorically denied being the source and described the contents as “completely unacceptable.” Israeli officials echoed that view, asserting that the proposed terms heavily favored Hamas and compromised Israeli security. One senior Israeli official described the proposal as one no responsible government could accept, particularly given Israel’s strategic goals and the threats posed by Hamas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that any ceasefire would only be temporary and conditional upon the release of hostages. He reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to dismantling Hamas' military infrastructure and restoring long-term security for Israeli citizens.
Since the brutal Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of 251 others, Israel has maintained that its military operations in Gaza are aimed at preventing further acts of terrorism and ensuring national security. The continued rocket fire from Gaza and the use of civilian areas for militant activities have been key concerns for Israel, making the prospect of a full withdrawal without guarantees unfeasible.
The conflict has taken a severe toll on both sides, with nearly 54,000 reported Palestinian deaths. Israel has emphasized that Hamas' tactics, including embedding militants in civilian areas, contribute to the high casualty numbers and complicate military operations.
Humanitarian conditions in Gaza remain dire, drawing international concern. While Israel has allowed aid to enter through designated channels, it maintains that Hamas’ diversion of resources for militant use hinders broader relief efforts.
Though Hamas' reported acceptance of a ceasefire has sparked discussion, the rejection by both the U.S. and Israel suggests that the road to peace remains complicated. For Israel, any ceasefire must ensure the safety of its citizens and the neutralization of threats posed by terrorist organizations—a condition that, for now, remains unmet.