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Hostages

Gaza Hostage and Ceasefire Deal Stalled as US and Hamas Negotiate

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

US diplomat Steve Witkoff expressed disappointment with Hamas for failing to accept his proposal for a new Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal, despite saying Israel will agree to his latest proposal. The development comes as the US has presented a new proposal for a 60-day ceasefire with the release of five live hostages on its first day and another five living hostages on its last day. Hamas has claimed to accept the US proposal, but the details differ from Witkoff's latest offer.

Key Takeaways:

  • Steve Witkoff, the US diplomat, has been in direct talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leadership through a backchannel facilitated by Palestinian-American businessman Bishara Bahbah.
  • Witkoff has expressed disappointment with Hamas for failing to accept his proposal for a new Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal, calling it "disappointing and completely unacceptable."
  • The US has presented a new proposal for a 60-day ceasefire with the release of five live hostages on its first day and another five living hostages on its last day.
  • Hamas has claimed to accept the US proposal, but the details differ from Witkoff's latest offer, which includes the release of 10 live hostages and 19 dead hostages in return for 45-60 days of ceasefire and the release of Palestinian prisoners.
  • Israeli Prime Minister's office has rejected the proposal Hamas described as "a US proposal" and said "no responsible Israeli government could accept it."
  • President Trump has stated publicly that he wants to end the war in Gaza "as quickly as possible."
  • Hamas officials briefed Arab media on Monday that the US has presented a new proposal for a hostage and ceasefire deal, including a boost in humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza and the withdrawal of IDF forces to the lines they were in last March before the war resumed.

Statistics:

  • 2 million Palestinians in Gaza are expected to be displaced to a "humanitarian zone" as per the Israeli Defense Forces' operation.
  • 10 live hostages and 19 dead hostages are included in Witkoff's latest proposal for the release of Palestinian prisoners in return for 45-60 days of ceasefire.
  • 5 live hostages and another 5 living hostages are to be released on the first and last day of the proposed 60-day ceasefire, respectively.

Sources:

  • Axios, "Steve Witkoff says Hamas needs to take his latest proposal for a ceasefire," (https://www.axios.com/2025/05/18/gaza-ceasefire-hamas-trump)
  • Axios, "US envoy says Israel agrees to ceasefire deal without Palestinian prisoners," (https://www.axios.com/2025/05/13/edan-alexander-release-secret-talks-bahbah)
  • Axios, "Israel's operation to displace Palestinians in Gaza to 'humanitarian zone' begins," (https://www.axios.com/2025/05/05/israel-gaza-destroy-trump-deal)
  • Axios, "President Trump wants to end Gaza war 'as quickly as possible'," (https://www.axios.com/world/israel)
  • Axios, "Hamas officials briefed Arab media on new US proposal for hostage and ceasefire deal," (https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump)

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