Hamas Accepts Gaza Ceasefire Proposal, But Israel Counters

• Mar 30, 2025

Hamas announced on Saturday that it has agreed to a new ceasefire proposal for Gaza, mediated by Egypt and Qatar. However, Israel responded by submitting a counter-proposal, which it says was made in full coordination with the United States.

Earlier in the week, Egypt put forward a proposal aimed at reviving the ceasefire, following Israel’s surprise decision to resume military operations. It is unclear whether any changes were made to the initial proposal before Khalil al-Hayyah, a senior Hamas leader in Gaza, confirmed the group's acceptance.

According to an Egyptian official who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, the original proposal involved Hamas releasing five hostages, including an American-Israeli, in exchange for Israel allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza and agreeing to a temporary pause in fighting. Additionally, Israel would release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

On Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office did not disclose details of Israel’s counter-proposal but confirmed it was submitted after high-level consultations on Friday.

"In recent hours, Israel has submitted its counterproposal to the mediators in full coordination with the United States," Netanyahu's office stated.

Israel broke the previous ceasefire a week and a half ago with a surprise wave of airstrikes, killing hundreds in Gaza. The White House blamed Hamas for the renewed violence. Since then, Israel has intensified military operations, particularly in Rafah, a city near Gaza’s border with Egypt.

Israel has insisted it will not stop military action until Hamas returns all 59 remaining hostages, including 24 believed to be alive. The Israeli government also demands that Hamas give up power, disarm, and send its leaders into exile. Hamas, on the other hand, has stated it will only release hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a permanent ceasefire, and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

In Tel Aviv, families of hostages and supporters gathered again on Saturday to demand an agreement to bring their loved ones home. Protesters chanted, "The price of your war is the life of the hostages!" Some clashed with police, while others pleaded for a ceasefire, fearing continued fighting would put the hostages in greater danger.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military announced it had recovered evidence related to the body of Manny Menachem Goddard, an Israeli kidnapped and killed during the October 7 Hamas attack. However, his remains are still being held in Gaza.

The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack on Israel, killing around 1,200 people—mostly civilians—and kidnapping 251. In response, Israel launched a large-scale military campaign in Gaza, which has so far killed over 50,000 people, according to the Hamas-controlled health ministry. The war has devastated Gaza, displacing nearly 90% of its over 2 million residents.

Earlier this month, Israel cut off supplies to Gaza in an effort to pressure Hamas into agreeing to new ceasefire terms. The current negotiations are critical, as the ceasefire’s second phase was originally intended to secure the release of all remaining hostages, end the war, and lead to a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. However, Israel had previously refused to engage in talks for this phase, causing further delays in diplomatic efforts.

As both sides continue negotiations, the future of the ceasefire remains uncertain.