Thu May 29 19:19:37 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**U.S. Proposal Offers Hope for Temporary Truce Between Israel and Hamas**

**Published: May 30, 2025, 12:49 AM IST**

**WASHINGTON D.C.** – A new U.S. proposal for a temporary ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has been accepted by Israel, according to White House officials. The initiative, spearheaded by U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, aims to secure the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas in exchange for a pause in fighting and the release of Palestinian prisoners.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Hamas is currently evaluating the proposal. Hamas officials have indicated agreement on a “general framework” for a lasting ceasefire, including a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, increased aid, and a transfer of power to an independent Palestinian committee.

The proposed agreement includes a 60-day pause in fighting, during which Hamas would release 10 living hostages and the bodies of others in exchange for over 1,100 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Daily, hundreds of aid trucks would enter Gaza to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation exacerbated by the recent Israeli blockade.

However, significant obstacles remain. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists the war will not end until all hostages are freed and Hamas is destroyed or exiled, while Hamas demands a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal. Netanyahu’s government is facing pressure from coalition partners not to end the war prematurely.

The conflict, triggered by the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack that killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and resulted in the abduction of 251 hostages, has resulted in over 54,000 Palestinian deaths, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The Israeli offensive has devastated Gaza, displacing the majority of its population.

The article adds that a broader resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains distant.

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