Israel Proposes New Ceasefire Plan as Gaza Deal Stalls

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu introduced the plan as the “Witkoff proposal,” claiming it was developed by U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. However, the White House has not confirmed this, merely expressing support for Israel's actions.

The new proposal demands that Hamas release half of its remaining hostages—key to the group’s leverage—in exchange for a ceasefire extension and negotiations toward a long-term peace agreement. However, it omits any mention of releasing more Palestinian prisoners, a provision of the original ceasefire agreement.

Hamas has accused Israel of undermining the current ceasefire, which was based on the return of all hostages in exchange for more Palestinian prisoners, an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and a lasting ceasefire. Despite this, no significant talks have taken place.

On Sunday, Israel halted all humanitarian aid to Gaza and warned of further consequences if Hamas rejects the new plan. Meanwhile, Arab leaders are pushing for an alternative vision for Gaza's future, countering former President Trump's proposal to relocate its population and turn the area into a tourist destination.

The original ceasefire, brokered in January, set out a three-phase plan to secure hostages’ release and end the war that began after Hamas’ October 2023 attack. While Phase 1 led to the release of several hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, Phase 2 is proving more complicated, requiring Israel to balance the hostages' return with the dismantling of Hamas. Hamas insists it will release the remaining hostages only if the war ends, maintaining control over Gaza.

Under the new plan, Hamas would release half of the remaining 59 hostages on day one, with no immediate reciprocal actions from Israel. This would weaken Hamas' position, and both Israel and the U.S. have already hinted at new demands, such as the disarmament of Hamas or the exile of its leadership, which were not part of the original agreement.

For Netanyahu, this plan provides a critical six-week window, as he seeks to pass a budget and avoid early elections that could potentially oust him from power. Opposition parties have indicated they won’t push for his removal over a hostages deal, though such a deal could harm his political standing.

The U.S. has remained silent on the details of the new plan, but Netanyahu insists it has been fully coordinated with the Trump administration. Trump, meanwhile, has offered mixed statements, condemning Hamas for its treatment of captives while calling for their immediate release but leaving the decision to Israel.

Trump’s controversial proposal to relocate Gaza’s population to other countries and turn the area into a tourist hub has been rejected by Palestinians, Arab nations, and human rights groups, who argue that it would violate international law. If implemented, it would likely lead to the resumption of war, further escalating the devastation in Gaza.

In response, Egypt is finalizing a counterproposal to be discussed at an Arab summit in Cairo. This alternative plan suggests Palestinians remain in Gaza or relocate to safe zones while Hamas cedes power to a transitional authority, with the international community bolstering the Palestinian Authority’s role. However, Israel has rejected any involvement of the Palestinian Authority in Gaza's postwar recovery, and it remains unclear whether Trump will support Egypt’s plan.