On August 17, 2025, Hamas announced its acceptance of a new ceasefire proposal for Gaza, put forward by mediators from Qatar and Egypt, aiming to halt an impending large-scale Israeli military operation in Gaza City. The decision comes as international pressure mounts to revive stalled negotiations that collapsed in July, with goals to secure the release of hostages, ensure humanitarian aid, and prevent a deeper crisis in the region. The proposal, aligning with 98% of a prior plan by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, includes hostage releases, prisoner exchanges, and the redeployment of Israeli forces. Qatar and Egypt’s mediation efforts seek to de-escalate the conflict and protect lives at a critical juncture.
Hamas’s acceptance was confirmed by senior member Basem Naim, who expressed hope that the agreement could “extinguish the fire of this war.” Israel, however, maintains its firm stance, demanding the release of all hostages, Hamas’s disarmament, and security control over Gaza. The plan aims to balance both sides’ demands while prioritizing urgent humanitarian aid for Gaza’s population.
- Key points of the proposal:
- Release of 10 living hostages and 18 deceased in exchange for 140 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences.
- Israel to free all Palestinian minors and female detainees.
- Redeployment of Israeli forces to pre-agreed lines.
- Increased humanitarian aid to meet Gaza’s basic needs.
Renewed push for truce after past failures
The current proposal builds on efforts to revive talks that faltered in July 2025, when disagreements over hostage releases and Israel’s military withdrawal derailed negotiations. Closely mirroring Witkoff’s earlier plan, which Israel had accepted, the new deal incorporates minor adjustments to address Hamas’s concerns. Qatar and Egypt have intensified mediation to avert a planned Israeli offensive in Gaza City, recently approved by Israel’s security cabinet.
Previous talks collapsed due to irreconcilable demands, with Israel pushing for security guarantees and Hamas insisting on a permanent ceasefire. A diplomat involved in the talks noted that the proposal aims to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe while ensuring the safety of hostages. The redeployment of Israeli forces remains a contentious issue, as it was a sticking point in earlier negotiations.
International mediation and key players
Qatar and Egypt have taken leading roles in mediating the conflict, with recent meetings between Qatari officials and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff in Spain. On August 18, Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, arrived in Cairo to advance the talks. A regional source revealed that Hamas is seeking written U.S. guarantees for a 60-day ceasefire, ensuring Israel does not resume hostilities afterward.
- Mediators’ efforts:
- Qatar and Egypt preserve 98% of Witkoff’s original proposal.
- High-level meetings in Cairo and Spain to align parties.
- Focus on averting military escalation and humanitarian crisis.
- Involvement of senior figures like Qatar’s Prime Minister.
Egypt has warned Israel against mass displacement of Gaza residents, labeling it a “red line.” This stance underscores concerns about the humanitarian impact of a potential offensive in Gaza City, which could exacerbate the region’s already dire conditions.
Hardened stances of Israel and Hamas
Israel’s position remains rigid, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasizing that any deal must include Hamas’s disarmament and Israeli security control over Gaza. On August 18, Netanyahu noted that Hamas is under “immense pressure” but did not confirm acceptance of the new proposal. U.S. President Donald Trump echoed this stance, stating on social media that the return of remaining hostages depends on confronting and destroying Hamas.
Hamas, conversely, demands a permanent ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal. The group also seeks international assurances to prevent renewed fighting. These conflicting positions were central to the failure of July’s talks, which stalled over issues like the size of Israel’s buffer zone around Gaza and the number of Palestinian prisoners to be released.
Protests in Israel and calls for peace
On August 17, hundreds of thousands of Israelis protested in Tel Aviv and nationwide, urging the government to accept a deal to free the remaining hostages and end the war. The demonstrations, which included road blockades and a general strike, were among the largest since the conflict began in October 2023. Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square became a focal point, with families and activists demanding immediate action.
- Protesters’ demands:
- Immediate release of remaining hostages.
- End to hostilities in Gaza.
- Pressure on Netanyahu to accept the ceasefire proposal.
- Opposition to the planned military escalation in Gaza City.
Israel’s opposition, led by Benny Gantz of the Blue and White Party, supported the negotiations, stating that the government has the necessary backing to secure a deal. However, Netanyahu’s far-right allies, such as National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, warned against accepting a ceasefire, advocating for continued military action until Hamas is dismantled.
History of ceasefires and ongoing challenges
Since the conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, following Hamas-led attacks in Israel, two ceasefire agreements have been implemented with partial success. In November 2023, a week-long truce led to the release of 105 hostages and 240 Palestinian prisoners. A second ceasefire in January 2025 saw 33 hostages freed, with Israel releasing approximately 50 Palestinian prisoners per hostage. However, Israel resumed its offensive on March 18, 2025, breaking the truce and halting talks.
Current challenges include mutual distrust, with Israel prioritizing security and Hamas seeking a permanent end to the conflict. The new proposal aims to address these issues, but opposition from hardline factions on both sides complicates progress. The looming threat of a major operation in Gaza City underscores the urgency of reaching an agreement.
Humanitarian crisis and aid efforts in Gaza
Gaza’s humanitarian situation remains dire, with shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. The proposed ceasefire includes measures to significantly increase aid flows, critical for addressing the population’s basic needs. International organizations warn that a military offensive in Gaza City could trigger an unprecedented humanitarian disaster.
- Steps to address the crisis:
- Opening humanitarian corridors for supply deliveries.
- Ensuring safety for aid workers in Gaza.
- Expanding medical support for overwhelmed hospitals.
- Distributing food and clean water to affected areas.
International pressure to prevent further escalation reflects the severity of the crisis, with Qatar and Egypt leading efforts to protect civilians and hostages.
