US envoy Steve Witkoff has presented an updated proposal to Israel and Hamas aimed at ending the Gaza conflict, including the release of 10 hostages in exchange for a ceasefire and the release of Palestinian prisoners. The plan also includes guarantees that a temporary ceasefire will lead to a permanent one.
The proposal comes as Israel prepares to launch a major operation in Gaza, known as “Gideon’s Chariots,” which aims to reoccupy the entire strip and flatten it. However, Witkoff is pressing both sides to accept the deal, which could prevent a massive Israeli operation that would exacerbate humanitarian conditions.
Witkoff has been talking directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his confidant Ron Dermer, as well as with Hamas leadership in Doha through a backchannel facilitated by Palestinian-American businessman Bishara Bahbah. The proposal is similar to previous ones but includes new language aimed at giving guarantees that the ceasefire will be permanent.
Hamas officials have expressed disappointment over the release of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander, which they believed should have led to a more favorable US position towards them. The Israeli strike targeting Hamas’ military wing leader Mohammed Sinwar has further strained relations with the Trump administration.
The White House is pushing Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza immediately, citing concerns about the humanitarian conditions. However, the Israeli Security Cabinet has decided to resume the transfer of aid through existing channels until a new mechanism starts working.
Sources close to the negotiations say Netanyahu has given a positive response to the proposal but with many conditions and reservations. Hamas wants guarantees that a temporary ceasefire will lead to a permanent one, which is a key part of Witkoff’s plan.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2025/05/18/gaza-ceasefire-hamas-trump