Efforts to halt the war in Gaza gained new momentum early Saturday as US President Donald Trump said that Hamas and the Israeli occupation are seeking “a way out of the chaos,” indicating that a ceasefire agreement in Gaza could be imminent.
His remarks come after earlier affirming that negotiations were nearing a breakthrough, as the Israeli offensive in Gaza faces mounting international condemnation over the scale of civilian casualties and destruction.
Speaking from the White House late Friday, Trump stated that “Hamas and Israel are very close to reaching a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. We’ll let you know later today or perhaps tomorrow. We have a real opportunity.”
The statement signaled a potential turning point in months of conflict and behind-the-scenes diplomacy.
US President Donald Trump told reporters on Friday that he believes they’re “very close” to a new ceasefire in Gaza.
Earlier, Israel warned Hamas to accept the US-backed proposal or be “annihilated” pic.twitter.com/AVZvVkE2Td
— Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) May 31, 2025
Hamas Engaged in Talks as Ceasefire Framework Emerges
On Friday, Hamas confirmed it is holding consultations with Palestinian factions regarding a ceasefire proposal submitted by US Middle East envoy Steve Weitkoff. The proposal was delivered through Qatari and Egyptian mediators. In a statement, Hamas said it was discussing the terms of the ceasefire offer with allied Palestinian groups, signaling serious engagement with the initiative.
In response, Israeli War Minister Yisrael Katz said Hamas must now decide between accepting the terms of the Weitkoff proposal—including the release of Israeli captives—or facing full-scale annihilation.
On the same day, Israeli Channel 12 quoted Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi as saying that if a deal is within reach, military operations should be paused to secure it, even if the agreement is partial. He emphasized that Israel cannot allow itself to be drawn into an indefinite war.
The Zionist cabinet had already approved the Weitkoff plan on Thursday. According to Israeli media, the proposal is seen as the most favorable to Israel among all previous ceasefire frameworks discussed since the conflict began.
Details of the Weitkoff Proposal
According to reports by Al Jazeera, the US proposal centers on a 60-day ceasefire, during which Israel would suspend all offensive military operations in Gaza. Trump is said to personally guarantee Israeli compliance with the terms during the truce period.
The proposal includes the release of 10 live Israeli captives and the remains of 18 others from a list of 58 detainees. Under the terms, five live captives and nine bodies would be handed over on the first day of the agreement, with the remaining detainees released on the seventh day.
In exchange, the Israeli occupation would release 180 Palestinian prisoners sentenced to life, along with 1,111 individuals from Gaza arrested since October 7, 2023. Additionally, the remains of 180 deceased Palestinians would be returned in exchange for the bodies of the 18 Zionist captives.
The agreement also stipulates the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza upon Hamas’s approval of the ceasefire. Aid distribution would be conducted through mutually agreed channels, including the United Nations and the Red Crescent, and maintained throughout the duration of the truce.
On the first day of implementation of the agreement, according to the “Wittkopf Proposal,” negotiations will begin under the auspices of the guarantor mediators regarding the arrangements necessary for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
Source: Al-Manar Website
