U.S. Proposes New Ceasefire Framework Between Hamas and Israel Ahead of Trump’s Middle East Visit

Watan-On Tuesday, Egypt received a U.S. proposal aimed at renewing mediation efforts between Hamas and Israel to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The initiative comes just days ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s scheduled visit to the region, during which he is expected to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE next week.

According to an Egyptian source speaking to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, the Egyptian mediator received what could be described as an “American proposal” in the past few hours. The proposal is seen as a “gateway” to transition from the current state of war to negotiations that would end the war in Gaza and restore calm to the region.

The U.S. plan aims to establish a long-term truce ahead of Trump’s visit, expected between May 13 and 15. The proposal coincides with a meeting in Doha involving Hamas leaders from the group’s three regional branches, who are discussing the current situation and available options.

The source explained that the proposal includes specific conditions for a ceasefire, with “less complex” terms than those previously discussed by all parties over the past two weeks. It centers on opening humanitarian corridors to allow aid into Gaza and the release of a limited number of Israeli captives, notably Idan Alexander, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen.

It also calls for the provision of clear information on the status of the remaining captives, along with evidence that unmet prisoners’ needs for food and medicine will be addressed—although they are not included in this phase of the proposal.

The source confirmed high-level communications between Egyptian and American officials, as well as between Egypt and Israel, aiming to address the humanitarian crisis and overcome Israeli-imposed barriers to aid delivery.

One suggestion includes tasking a private company owned by a Palestinian-American businessman—who is a candidate to lead Gaza’s Community Support Committee—with the emergency distribution of aid in the Strip under Israeli oversight. The source clarified that this mechanism, currently under discussion in Cairo, is not related to Israel’s recent proposal for direct supervision over aid distribution.

In a related development, the U.S. news site Axios reported on Sunday that U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff said, “I hope we make progress, and that all the Israeli detainees are released. I’m speaking daily with Qatar, Egypt, and Israel.” He added, “President Trump wants the hostages back, Netanyahu wants the same, and we are working in coordination.”