Analysts view the proposal as a significant development, but challenges remain in achieving lasting peace.
**U.S. Presents Cease-Fire Proposal to Hamas Amid Ongoing Gaza Conflict**
**U.S. Presents Cease-Fire Proposal to Hamas Amid Ongoing Gaza Conflict**
The White House proposes a cease-fire plan aimed at alleviating humanitarian concerns in Gaza.
In a notable diplomatic effort, the White House has delivered an Israeli-supported cease-fire proposal to Hamas, emphasizing the need for humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza amid escalating international calls to halt the ongoing conflict. This development comes as President Trump and his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, relay the framework that includes a proposed 60-day cease-fire, contingent upon cooperation from both sides.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stressed that the deal seeks to facilitate aid via operations led by the United Nations, with hopes pinned on not only ceasing hostilities for a determined period but also the safe return of all hostages involved. While Hamas has not outright refused this latest initiative, it has expressed skepticism regarding the adequacy of assurance for a long-term resolution to the situation, pointing to insufficient guarantees concerning the cessation of hostilities.
U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that there remains a cautious optimism surrounding the prospects of the cease-fire plan, indicating that officials see noteworthy potential in the proposal. However, the critical divergences between the parties involved persist, particularly as Israel demands a right to resume its military actions should Hamas fail to comply with disarmament, whereas Hamas insists on firm assurances that the cease-fire would evolve into sustained peace and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
After 18 months of relentless conflict, a cessation of fighting is now seen as increasingly urgent, particularly as prominent international allies of Israel have begun to express their impatience with the military strategies being employed, voicing concerns over the rising civilian casualties in Gaza. Countries like Germany, Italy, Britain, Canada, and France have recently criticized Israel's decision to intensify military operations, signaling a growing unease with the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stressed that the deal seeks to facilitate aid via operations led by the United Nations, with hopes pinned on not only ceasing hostilities for a determined period but also the safe return of all hostages involved. While Hamas has not outright refused this latest initiative, it has expressed skepticism regarding the adequacy of assurance for a long-term resolution to the situation, pointing to insufficient guarantees concerning the cessation of hostilities.
U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that there remains a cautious optimism surrounding the prospects of the cease-fire plan, indicating that officials see noteworthy potential in the proposal. However, the critical divergences between the parties involved persist, particularly as Israel demands a right to resume its military actions should Hamas fail to comply with disarmament, whereas Hamas insists on firm assurances that the cease-fire would evolve into sustained peace and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
After 18 months of relentless conflict, a cessation of fighting is now seen as increasingly urgent, particularly as prominent international allies of Israel have begun to express their impatience with the military strategies being employed, voicing concerns over the rising civilian casualties in Gaza. Countries like Germany, Italy, Britain, Canada, and France have recently criticized Israel's decision to intensify military operations, signaling a growing unease with the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
