• 30 May, 2025
• Faith Kegh
• comments off

Hamas Criticizes US-Backed Ceasefire Plan, Says It Fails to Meet Key Demands.

Israel has reportedly accepted a US ceasefire proposal for Gaza, according to the White House, while Hamas has

stated the plan does not meet its core conditions for ending the war.

The proposed deal, reportedly presented by US envoy Steve Witkoff, includes a 60-day ceasefire, the release of 28 Israeli hostages (both living and deceased) in the first week, and the eventual release of 125 Palestinian prisoners and the remains of 180 others. In exchange, aid would begin flowing into Gaza once Hamas agrees. A final group of 30 hostages would be released after a permanent ceasefire is implemented. However, the plan does not include a commitment from Israel to end the war.

Hamas is reviewing the proposal but has raised concerns that it heavily favors Israel and lacks guarantees for an end to the conflict, withdrawal of Israeli forces, or sustained aid delivery. Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri said the plan reflects Israel’s stance and does not address Palestinian demands, such as ending hostilities and famine.

Tensions remain high after several failed ceasefire efforts. Israel insists on Hamas’s complete disarmament and the return of all remaining hostages before agreeing to any lasting peace. Israeli leaders fear that even with a ceasefire, Hamas could retain influence in Gaza and eventually rebuild its military capability.

Hamas, in contrast, fears Israel could violate the ceasefire again—as it did in March—without consequences, and continues to reject demands to disarm without firm commitments from Israel.

Political pressure within Israel also complicates matters. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces threats from far-right coalition members who oppose ending the war. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir have both said they will leave the government if it backs down, urging for intensified military action instead.

Meanwhile, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a US-backed logistics group supported by Israel, has expanded food distribution to a third location in Gaza. Despite heavy criticism from the UN and humanitarian organizations over the effectiveness of this initiative, GHF claims to have delivered 1.8 million meals so far, with plans for more sites.

The humanitarian situation remains dire, with over 2 million people at risk of famine due to an extended blockade. A recent aid delivery was marred by violence when Israeli forces opened fire on a crowd, killing at least one person and injuring several others.

The conflict, which began after the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and resulted in 251 hostages, has led to over 54,000 Palestinian deaths according to health officials in Gaza. The region remains in crisis as international calls for a permanent ceasefire and humanitarian access grow louder.

Faith Kegh

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