Fri May 30 01:21:05 UTC 2025: ## U.S. Announces Ceasefire Deal Reached with Israel, Hamas Remains Hesitant

**Washington D.C.** – The United States, under the Trump administration, has announced that Israel has “signed off” on a proposed ceasefire agreement aimed at halting the ongoing conflict in Gaza. However, Hamas officials have stated that the proposal, in its current form, “does not meet any of our people’s demands” and could lead to a “continuation of killing and famine.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Israel’s acceptance of the deal, which was presented to Hamas by Trump administration Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff.

Despite initial claims of a broad agreement earlier this week, Hamas is now stating that key demands, including a permanent end to the war, a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, and the unhindered entry of humanitarian aid, have not been met. According to Hamas political bureau member Basem Naim, “Nonetheless, the movement’s leadership is studying the response to the proposal with full national responsibility.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not publicly confirmed Israel’s approval of the proposal. According to Israeli media, Netanyahu told families of captives held in Gaza that he is prepared to move forward with the temporary ceasefire.

Akiva Eldar, an Israeli political analyst, told Al Jazeera that it was “unusual” for Israel to come out and agree to a proposal first, and that Netanyahu may be betting on the plan being impossible for Hamas to accept so that he can paint them as the “bad guys” and continue the war.

Reports of the proposal come after conflicting claims earlier in the week when Hamas suggested a general framework agreement had been reached with Witkoff. These claims were later refuted by Witkoff and U.S. officials.

The current conflict was reignited on March 18th after a six-week truce was broken, and has resulted in the deaths of nearly 4,000 Palestinians since the resumption of fighting, bringing the overall death toll in Gaza to over 54,000, according to Gaza health authorities.

The ongoing blockade of humanitarian aid, partially lifted on May 19th, has exacerbated the situation, pushing the population to the brink of famine, according to UN officials.

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