US-Backed Gaza Ceasefire Plan Proposes Hostage Swap and Humanitarian Aid

A U.S.-drafted plan for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza proposes the release of 28 Israeli hostages—both alive and deceased—within the first week, in exchange for 1,236 Palestinian prisoners and the remains of 180 Palestinians. The deal, backed by U.S. President Donald Trump and mediators Egypt and Qatar, includes immediate humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza once Hamas approves the ceasefire.

The aid would be distributed through the United Nations, the Red Crescent, and other agreed channels. The White House confirmed on Thursday that Israel has accepted the proposal, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informing hostage families of the agreement. Hamas is currently reviewing the offer and is expected to respond shortly.

According to the document, Hamas would release the final 30 hostages once a permanent ceasefire is established. Israel would cease military operations and gradually redeploy its forces once the truce begins. Despite previous breakdowns in negotiations, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism about reaching a long-term peace.

However, key differences remain. Israel demands Hamas’s disarmament and dismantling as a governing force, while Hamas insists on a full Israeli military withdrawal and a clear commitment to end the war. The conflict began after Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack, which killed 1,200 Israelis and resulted in 251 hostages. Israel’s military response has killed over 54,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials.

International pressure on Israel is mounting, with growing calls from European nations for a ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid. The U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, criticized for limited impact, has expanded aid distribution in the enclave, where famine risk is escalating after weeks of aid blockades. The foundation has distributed 1.8 million meals and plans further expansion amid growing urgency.