New Gaza Ceasefire Proposal Gains Traction Amid U.S.-Backed Diplomatic Push

Watan-Despite no official announcement from mediators, Hamas, or the Israeli government regarding a formal date for indirect negotiations on a Gaza truce, strong expectations suggest that talks may begin soon. These discussions will center around a new proposal calling for a two-month ceasefire during which permanent peace terms would be finalized. The move follows a U.S. declaration that key differences between the parties have narrowed.

According to available information, the latest proposal, presented by the U.S. to Egypt and Qatar—both key players in the mediation—was relayed to Hamas during meetings in Cairo and Doha. The aim is to bridge gaps that previously hindered earlier proposals.

New Proposal in Detail

A well-informed source within a Palestinian faction confirmed the proposal involves a structured ceasefire, during which Hamas would release several Israeli soldiers in exchange for the phased release of dozens of Palestinian prisoners. The deal also includes lifting the siege on Gaza, allowing humanitarian aid to flow in, and mandating the Israeli military’s withdrawal from its incursion zones.

The source added that the proposed truce period would host indirect negotiations to fully end the war, with an American guarantee ensuring no return to hostilities.

Senior Hamas official Taher al-Nounou confirmed intensified contacts with Egyptian and Qatari mediators, accusing Israel of continued stalling. “We welcome any sincere efforts to end the war,” al-Nounou said, calling for a comprehensive agreement that includes a permanent ceasefire, full Israeli withdrawal, humanitarian aid, and a prisoner swap.

Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani also confirmed ongoing talks between his country, Egypt, and the U.S., expressing optimism for a ceasefire. He urged Israel not to use its truce with Iran as cover to continue attacks on Gaza and called on the international community to pressure Israel into halting its assault.

U.S. Mediator Confirms Ongoing Talks

Bashara Bahbah, a U.S. mediator sent by President Donald Trump, stated during an interview with Al-Ghad TV that multiple ceasefire proposals—both partial and comprehensive—are on the table. “We have not forgotten Gaza, and we are serious about achieving a lasting solution,” Bahbah said.

According to Bahbah, while two of the three contentious points between Hamas and Israel have been resolved, the final point—likely involving a specific phrase or number—will be discussed on Wednesday or Thursday in Cairo. He revealed that Egypt has formally invited Israeli representatives to attend.

“I met with Hamas leader Ghazi Hamad,” Bahbah added, noting that Hamas fully understands the urgency of a resolution. Bahbah relays his findings back to U.S. officials, confirming that President Trump and his Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff are committed to securing a ceasefire and improving humanitarian conditions in Gaza.

Bahbah emphasized that Trump personally guarantees Israel will not violate the truce once agreed upon—a level of assurance unprecedented in past ceasefires.

Israeli Cabinet Discusses Wider Deal

Meanwhile, Israeli reports revealed that the security cabinet (the “kitchen cabinet”) discussed a broader “comprehensive deal” with Gaza that includes the return of Israeli prisoners and goes beyond Witkoff’s original plan.

This new diplomatic momentum signals a potential breakthrough in the long-deadlocked Gaza conflict.