U.S. Proposes 60-Day Gaza Ceasefire with Hostage and Prisoner Exchange

Last Updated May - 30 - 2025, 02:38 PM | Source : Fela News

A new U.S.-backed plan for Gaza suggests a 60-day ceasefire, release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and immediate aid delivery. Israel agrees; H

A U.S.-backed proposal for Gaza, seen by Reuters on Friday (May 30, 2025), outlines a 60-day ceasefire that would begin with the release of 28 Israeli hostages—both living and deceased—within the first week. In exchange, 125 Palestinians serving life sentences and the remains of 180 deceased Palestinians would be released. The plan, endorsed by U.S. President Donald Trump and mediated by Egypt and Qatar, also includes the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza once Hamas agrees to the ceasefire. The remaining 30 Israeli hostages would be freed only after a permanent ceasefire is implemented.

The White House confirmed on Thursday (May 29) that Israel has accepted the U.S. proposal. Hamas said it is reviewing the plan and would issue a response by Friday or Saturday (May 30 or 31). Previous ceasefire efforts have collapsed due to stark disagreements, with Israel demanding that Hamas fully disarm and return all 58 remaining hostages before halting military operations.

Hamas has opposed disarmament and insists that Israel withdraw its forces from Gaza and commit to ending the war. The conflict erupted after Hamas launched a deadly attack in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and abducting 251 individuals, according to Israeli figures.

Since then, Israel’s military offensive in Gaza has claimed the lives of more than 54,000 Palestinians and caused widespread destruction, according to Gaza health authorities.