Waffenruhe in Gaza? Israel and the USA hope for agreement - Hamas hesitated!

Waffenruhe in Gaza? Israel and the USA hope for agreement - Hamas hesitated!

Today, May 30, 2025, the situation in the Gaza Strip has further exacerbated, while hopes for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remain. The United States has made Israel and Hamas a new proposal for a break that Israel has already agreed. The answer of Hamas, however, is still pending, which raises question marks behind the negotiations. Israel's army continues to lead attacks against Hamas' military goals in the Gaza Strip, while civilians are asked to evacuate in several northern areas. The Israeli army has referred to these areas as "dangerous fighting zones".

In addition, reports assume that Hamas has reservations about the US proposal. The proposal provides for a 60-day ceasefire, while discussions about the end of the conflict should also take place. At the center of the negotiations is the release of hostages and also people arrested by the Israeli security forces. At least 20 living hostages are still in Gaza, and the humanitarian situation has deteriorated drastically: over 54,200 Palestinians have been killed since the beginning of the war, including a third minor.

The United States' proposal

The new proposal of the US specialist Steve Witkoff stipulates that hostages are released in two steps. The release of ten hostages and the handover of 18 corpses are planned within a week. In return, 125 Palestinians, who were sentenced to life imprisonment, as well as 1,111 residents of Gazas, who have been arrested since October 7, 2023, are also to be released. In addition, 180 corpses are to be handed over by Palestinians.

The USA and the UN emphasized that humanitarian aid deliveries must be ensured during the ceasefire. According to report, this will be crucial in order to cover the acute need of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip, which lives under catastrophic conditions. UN coordinator Sigrid Kaag has highlighted the desperate situation of civilians, and aid organizations report hundreds of thousands that rely on food, water and medical care.

international reactions and political dimensions

The international pressure on both sides grows to achieve a ceasefire and avoid an escalation in the Middle East. US President Biden has presented a multi-stage plan that includes a six-week fire break, followed by negotiations on permanent ceasefire and the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. However, there are several sticking points in the negotiations, including the question of the withdrawal of Israeli troops and guarantees for Hamas. While Israel is aiming for a complete destruction of Hamas, the organization itself demands a complete withdrawal of the Israeli troops.

In addition, the situation of hostages remains explosive. According to reports, more than 40 of the 109, still in the violence of Hamas, should no longer be alive. Relatives of the hostages and US Secretary of State Antony Flasch speak of a "last chance" to save the hostages, which increases the pressure on the parties involved.

The decision on the ceasefire could be crucial for the further course of the conflict and the fate of many people in the Gaza Strip. Both Israel and Hamas are under immense pressure, both domestically and internationally, which makes the negotiations all the more complex. The US proposal for ceasefire is therefore an important but fragile instrument to lead the conflict into a new phase.