Hamas has expressed a desire to amend the latest ceasefire proposal put forth by the United States regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. According to an anonymous Hamas official, the proposed amendments aim to clarify US guarantees, the timing of hostage releases, aid delivery, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces. However, US envoy Steve Witkoff dismissed these amendments as “totally unacceptable”.
In a recent statement, Hamas outlined its proposal, which seeks a permanent ceasefire, complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and unrestricted humanitarian aid access. They have also offered to release ten living hostages and the bodies of 18 others in exchange for a specified number of Palestinian prisoners. Currently, there are 58 hostages in Gaza, with Israel estimating that 35 have died.
Witkoff presented a separate plan involving a 60-day ceasefire that would secure the release of half the living hostages and the remains of half of the deceased. He urged Hamas to accept this framework for further negotiations, which could begin as early as next week. Israeli officials have approved the US proposal for a temporary ceasefire, with President Donald Trump indicating that negotiators are close to a deal.
Desperation in Gaza is escalating as civilians face severe food shortages due to Israel’s months-long blockade. The UN World Food Programme reported that many food trucks were blocked and offloaded by desperate civilians in Khan Younis, as aid remains critically insufficient. While Israel has recently allowed limited aid to enter, the ongoing blockade has left the majority of Gaza’s population—over two million people—on the brink of famine.
Aid organisations reported difficulty in delivering supplies safely due to ongoing conflicts. The UN noted security incidents that hinder distribution, including the looting of facilities. In response to the humanitarian crisis, a new US- and Israeli-supported foundation has begun distributing aid in Gaza, although its operations have attracted criticism for militarising humanitarian efforts.
Amid continued Israeli military strikes, at least 60 people have been killed in the last 24 hours, with the Health Ministry in Gaza reporting casualties from various attacks, including the deaths of parents and a child in a car strike. Since the war commenced on October 7, when Hamas attacked Israel and took hostages, the conflict has resulted in over 54,000 fatalities in Gaza, primarily among women and children.
In light of the escalating humanitarian crisis, relatives of hostages are urging for a comprehensive ceasefire, arguing that the ongoing military pressure jeopardises the lives of those still held captive.