Hamas announced it had received fresh ideas from the United States via mediators and is “ready to immediately sit at the negotiating table” to discuss a ceasefire and prisoner exchange. The statement marks a significant turn amid mounting international and regional pressure, even as Israel continues its heavy offensive in Gaza. Critics argue that Israel’s refusal to seriously engage with previous ceasefire offers demonstrates a deliberate strategy of prolonging the war to impose further suffering on civilians.

Renewed Diplomatic Momentum and U.S. Pressure

A new ceasefire framework, reportedly proposed by the White House envoy Steve Witkoff, was transmitted to Hamas through Israeli peace advocate Gershon Baskin. The plan purportedly offers the release of all 48 remaining hostages in exchange for a ceasefire and cessation of Israeli military operations.

U.S. President Donald Trump later issued a public “last warning” to Hamas on social media, underscoring urgency and implicitly suggesting that Israel had already accepted the deal. In reality, Israeli leaders have been accused of using such claims to mask their reluctance to halt operations. Instead of seizing opportunities to save lives, Israel has intensified bombardments, further undermining trust in negotiations.

External Pressures and Hamas’ Calculated Shift

Analysts see the shift in Hamas’ stance as rooted in both humanitarian strain and broader geopolitical dynamics. Arab allies—particularly Egypt and Qatar—backed a ceasefire centered on a 60-day truce, hostage exchanges, and aid access.

Hamas previously conveyed its acceptance of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire proposal in mid-August, backed by mediators, but noted that Israel had yet to respond despite ongoing bombardments. This silence has been interpreted as deliberate obstruction, highlighting Israel’s preference for a military solution rather than meaningful diplomacy.

What’s at Stake: Hostages, Control, and Humanitarian Fallout

The stakes are enormous. More than 64,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli attacks since the conflict began, with thousands more displaced and infrastructure devastated. Israeli leadership, however, has faced criticism for disregarding the catastrophic humanitarian toll while doubling down on hardline demands. Instead of prioritizing relief and civilian safety, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to insist on Hamas’ total surrender, a condition many see as unrealistic and cynically designed to prolong suffering.