CAIRO / JERUSALEM, May 31 – Tensions remain high in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas as efforts to reach a ceasefire deal face significant challenges. On Saturday, Hamas stated it was open to a temporary truce proposal endorsed by the United States but sought several amendments before agreeing to the terms. However, U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, swiftly dismissed Hamas’ response, labeling it “totally unacceptable.”
The proposal, initially welcomed by the Israeli government, was intended to halt hostilities for 60 days and facilitate the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners, alongside much-needed humanitarian relief. Yet, Hamas maintains that any truce must ultimately lead to a permanent cessation of hostilities, complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and unrestricted aid access—conditions Israel has repeatedly declined.
A Hamas spokesperson described the group’s position as “positive” toward the general framework but emphasized the need for specific changes. Among the key points raised were demands for the return of daily life essentials, including the restoration of utilities such as electricity and water, rebuilding of infrastructure like hospitals and schools, and easing movement through critical border crossings like Rafah.
The plan includes the release of 28 Israeli hostages—10 of them alive and the bodies of 18 others—in return for the freedom of more than 1,200 Palestinians currently imprisoned in Israel. In addition, Hamas insists on a phased release of hostages during the 60-day truce and wants firm guarantees that the arrangement will transition into a permanent peace.
In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed his government had agreed to the U.S. plan. He accused Hamas of obstructing the peace process. “Israel will persist in its operations until the hostages are returned and Hamas is defeated,” Netanyahu stated.
U.S. mediator Steve Witkoff voiced his frustration online, accusing Hamas of delaying progress. He emphasized that their response was a setback rather than a move toward peace, urging the group to agree to the proposed framework and start talks without further delay.
A leaked document outlining Hamas’ position reveals the group’s insistence on broader aid distribution, rebuilding of civilian infrastructure, and ensuring that humanitarian agencies—such as the United Nations and Red Crescent—are permitted to deliver food and medical supplies across Gaza without interference.
The same document reportedly states that President Trump would personally announce the agreement and guarantees that the U.S., along with Egypt and Qatar, would oversee the enforcement of the terms. The truce would temporarily halt Israeli military activity, facilitating the entry of essential goods and aid workers.
Despite these assurances, Israeli officials remain skeptical. Israel continues to demand the dismantling of Hamas’ military and governing structures in Gaza. It has long maintained that any agreement that allows Hamas to retain influence is unacceptable.
On the ground, violence continues to escalate. The Israeli military has confirmed the killing of Mohammad Sinwar, a high-ranking Hamas figure and sibling of the group’s ex-leader Yahya Sinwar, who was behind the October 2023 assault. Sinwar was reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting a hospital in southern Gaza earlier this month, although Hamas has neither confirmed nor denied the report.
Since resuming military operations in March following a two-month pause, Israeli forces have launched extensive strikes across Gaza, targeting alleged Hamas positions, weapon manufacturing sites, and command centers. The offensive has pushed hundreds of thousands of civilians toward the already-overcrowded southern regions of the enclave, particularly near Khan Younis.
The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate sharply. Aid organizations are raising alarms as the food crisis in the region approaches a devastating tipping point. In recent days, dozens of aid trucks from the World Food Programme delivering flour to local bakeries were intercepted and looted by armed factions and desperate civilians alike. “After nearly three months of siege, starvation is widespread, and the population is acting out of sheer desperation,” a WFP statement said.
The United Nations also raised alarms, calling the current crisis the worst since the beginning of the war 19 months ago. Philippe Lazzarini, who leads the primary UN agency supporting Palestinians, criticized the overwhelming hardship, saying the small amount of aid reaching Gaza falls far short of addressing the immense destruction.
Meanwhile, a U.S-supported group known as the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has begun distributing food packages at designated zones. However, several international NGOs have refused to collaborate with the foundation, citing concerns over neutrality and insufficient supplies.
Israel maintains that it is not blocking humanitarian aid, pointing instead to Hamas for manipulating and allegedly diverting supplies. It has approved some convoys through international partners and claims that accusations of mass starvation are politically motivated. Hamas, for its part, denies stealing aid and has reportedly executed individuals accused of looting.
The conflict began in October 2023 when Hamas launched a deadly assault on Israeli communities, resulting in the deaths of over 1,200 people and the abduction of more than 250 hostages. In response, Israel launched a full-scale military campaign across Gaza that has since claimed the lives of more than 54,000 Palestinians, flattened entire neighborhoods, and displaced most of the territory’s 2 million residents.