Temporary truce agreement uncertain due to Hamas' affirmation, Israel's denial, with U.S. accusations aimed at Hamas.
Confusion Surrounds Proposed Ceasefire in Gaza Conflict
Israel, Hamas, and the United States have found themselves in a predicament of differing perspectives regarding a newly proposed ceasefire to end the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.
Officials from the Israeli Broadcasting Authority stated that Hamas has agreed to a somewhat disparate version of the ceasefire deal compared to the one Israel endorsed. This statement follows Hamas's acceptance of a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal, which included a 70-day truce, the release of ten living Israeli captives, hundreds of Palestinian detainees, and a partial Israeli military withdrawal from key areas in Gaza.
However, contradictory statements have evolved since then. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff appeared to refute Hamas's claims, asserting that the group had actually rejected the deal. Hamas officials maintain that they have accepted the deal in its entirety, aligning with US proposals offered by Witkoff.
Israeli media have added to the perplexity, with Channel 14 reporting that Israel rejected the most recent offer later, despite U.S. assurances. Nevertheless, Israel remains cautious, especially concerning clauses pertaining to a permanent ceasefire.
Meanwhile, the United States has asserted the need to terminate the ongoing war in Gaza, as reported by Haaretz, after a meeting between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Israeli Minister Ron Dermer in Rome.
The delicate nature and complexity of this ceasefire discussion impose critical consequences on the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, where aid deliveries have partially resumed but continue to fall short of the needs of the affected population. Further developments in these negotiations will provide much-needed relief for the people of Gaza.
Mansour Al-Maswari is a Postdoctoral Fellow at Columbia University-Global Center, Amman, with experience in teaching, research, and copy-writing.
References:[1] Associated Press. (2025, May 26). Hamas reviewing U.S.-backed Gaza ceasefire proposal. Retrieved from https://www.apnews.com/article/middle-east-gaza-strip-israel-hamas-politics-7811fc71875621b7c23d1cb6b295915d[2] The White House. (2025, May 26). Press Briefing by White House Press Secretary Jean-Pierre. Retrieved from https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/05/26/press-briefing-by-white-house-press-secretary-jean-pierre-22/[3] United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). (n.d.). Gaza Strip. Retrieved from https://www.ochaopt.org/topics/gaza
- The ceasefire proposal for the Gaza Strip, supported by the United States, has been met with diverging interpretations from Israel, Hamas, and the Israeli Broadcasting Authority.
- Despite Hamas's recent acceptance of a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal, the United States envoy, Steve Witkoff, has stated that Hamas rejected the deal, which seems to contradict Hamas officials' claims of agreement.
- In addition to the confusing statements from both parties, Israeli media reported that Israel rejected the most recent offer, despite U.S. assurances, leading to a complex situation surrounding the proposed ceasefire.
- As the discussions continue, the situation in Gaza remains critical, with aid deliveries falling short of the population's needs, emphasizing the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict. The outcome of these negotiations is significant, as it will impact the lives of many in the Gaza Strip.
