Gaza Ceasefire: A 60-Day Hope Amidst Deep Divisions

Gaza Ceasefire: Israel Accepts US Proposal, but Hamas Remains Unsure The ongoing conflict in Gaza took a significant turn on May 29, 2025, when Israel announced its acceptance of a new US-brokered peace plan. The plan proposes a 60-day ceasefire, contingent upon Hamas releasing Israeli hostages and Israel releasing Palestinian detainees. However, the proposal faces significant challenges, primarily due to Hamas's insistence on a permanent end to hostilities. According to Nick Schifrin, PBS NewsHour's Foreign Affairs and Defense Correspondent, "Hamas would release five living hostages the first day and five more after the first week." In return, Israel would release thousands of Palestinian detainees. This is not a permanent end to the conflict, as Hamas demands. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains critical. The UN reports that half a million Gazans are facing catastrophic food insecurity. Images show desperate Palestinians scrambling for aid, highlighting the urgent need for assistance. The video includes scenes of injured Palestinians being carried to safety, and starving infants in a hospital. The situation is further complicated by divisions within Israeli society. Some Israelis are protesting the government's handling of the crisis, demanding that the focus shift to securing the release of hostages. The protests show the deep emotional toll the conflict is taking on both sides. Despite the challenges, the US-brokered proposal offers a glimmer of hope for a temporary pause in the fighting. The ongoing negotiations will determine whether this fragile opportunity for peace can be sustained.