WASHINGTON, D.C. – The White House announced on Thursday, May 29, 2025, that the Israeli government has accepted a new proposal from the United States aimed at securing a temporary ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
White House principal deputy press secretary Karoline Leavitt conveyed the significant development during a press briefing, stating that the plan, formulated by the U.S. administration, was subsequently presented to the Palestinian group Hamas. Leavitt specified that the proposal was jointly submitted by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and the President of the United States.
“Israel has backed and supported this proposal,” Leavitt told reporters, underscoring a key step forward in the persistent international efforts to halt the ongoing conflict and facilitate humanitarian aid delivery into Gaza.
Ongoing Negotiations and Hamas’s Position
Despite the positive signal from Jerusalem, the immediate future of the ceasefire initiative hinges on the response from Hamas. According to Leavitt, talks regarding the proposal were actively ongoing at the time of the announcement, but Hamas had not yet formally accepted the terms presented. This indicates that while a critical hurdle – securing Israeli backing – has been cleared, the path to implementation remains uncertain.
The U.S. administration has been intensely engaged in diplomatic efforts to broker a pause in hostilities. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff had previously indicated on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, just one day prior to the White House’s official announcement, that the U.S. administration was nearing the point of presenting a new proposal to the parties involved. This earlier statement signaled the culmination of intensive behind-the-scenes work to refine and finalize the terms of the potential agreement.
The Role of the United States
The U.S. has positioned itself as a central mediator in the complex negotiations between Israel and Hamas, which are often conducted indirectly through regional partners like Egypt and Qatar. The submission of a “new” proposal suggests that previous frameworks or terms may have been revised or expanded upon in an effort to find common ground acceptable to both sides.
A temporary ceasefire, as outlined in the U.S. proposal supported by Israel, would likely involve a cessation of hostilities, potentially the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, and an increase in the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, which has faced a severe humanitarian crisis.
Details regarding the specific duration or phases of the proposed “temporary ceasefire” were not immediately disclosed by the White House, nor were the precise terms that Hamas is currently considering. The focus of the White House statement remained on Israel’s affirmative response and the pending decision from Hamas.
Looking Ahead
The coming days will be crucial as mediators await Hamas’s official response to the U.S.-backed Israeli proposal. The acceptance of the terms by both principal parties is essential for the temporary ceasefire to take effect.
The White House reiterated its commitment to facilitating an agreement, recognizing the urgent need for a pause in the fighting to alleviate suffering in Gaza and create conditions for potential further de-escalation. The announcement on May 29, 2025, marks a significant diplomatic step, highlighting Israel’s willingness to consider the U.S.-led initiative, even as the broader outcome remains contingent upon the deliberations and decision of Hamas.
International attention remains fixed on the ongoing talks, with hopes that this new U.S. proposal could pave the way for a much-needed lull in the conflict, providing respite for civilians and potentially opening avenues for more durable arrangements in the future.
