Hamas has submitted proposed amendments to a ceasefire plan backed by the United States, calling for a longer truce, greater humanitarian access, and a broader prisoner exchange. The proposal was swiftly rejected by both U.S. and Israeli officials, even as the civilian death toll and humanitarian collapse in Gaza deepen.
President Joe Biden first outlined the U.S.-supported framework in late May. As reported by The Associated Press, the original deal proposed a 42-day ceasefire, phased releases of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, and discussions on Gaza’s reconstruction and long-term governance.
In response, Hamas submitted a counterproposal on May 31 seeking a 60-day truce instead of 42, demanding the release of 1,200 Palestinian detainees in exchange for 10 living Israeli hostages and the remains of 18 others. Hamas also called for a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and unrestricted humanitarian access through key border points like Rafah, which remains partially blocked due to Israeli military control. This proposal was first detailed by AP based on a copy of the group’s official statement.
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff called the Hamas response “totally unacceptable” and urged the group to “engage seriously” with the current deal to begin proximity talks. Israel, meanwhile, reiterated its position that sustained military pressure is necessary to ensure the destruction of Hamas’ operational infrastructure.
Gaza’s Aid System Collapsing Under Fire
The proposed truce comes amid a spiraling humanitarian disaster. According to Reuters, at least 27 Palestinians were killed and dozens more wounded on Sunday near an aid distribution point in Rafah when Israeli forces opened fire. It was the third such incident in as many days.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said troops fired on individuals who deviated from permitted aid routes and “posed a threat.” However, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) condemned the attack and called for an independent investigation. According to AP’s reporting, humanitarian officials said the aid operation in Gaza is nearing total collapse.
Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), warned that the situation is “beyond catastrophic.” In an interview with The Guardian, he said, “We are at risk of a total breakdown in aid delivery. There is no safe space left, and people are starving.”
Desperate civilians have intercepted at least 77 U.N. food trucks in recent weeks, seizing aid before it reaches designated distribution centers, according to the Associated Press. UN officials have described the aid network as “beyond the breaking point.”
Continued Strikes and Mounting Casualties
Despite ceasefire discussions, Israel continues its offensive in multiple sectors of Gaza. On May 13, the IDF confirmed the killing of Mohammed Sinwar, brother of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, and a senior Hamas operative. Yahya Sinwar himself remains at large, hidden somewhere in the southern Gaza region, as reported by Reuters.
Israel has also come under fire for airstrikes that have hit multiple schools acting as civilian shelters. According to The Guardian, at least six schools have been bombed in the past three months, with over 120 civilians reported dead. While the IDF claims that Hamas was using these schools as military cover, UNRWA officials say such strikes violate international humanitarian law and may constitute war crimes.
The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 54,000 since October 2023. More than 70 percent of the region’s population is now displaced, living in makeshift shelters, with limited access to food, clean water, or medical care.
International Pressure Mounts
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has renewed calls for an immediate ceasefire and an independent inquiry into recent civilian deaths. In a joint statement with the European Union and Arab League, Guterres emphasized the need for “unfettered humanitarian access and a political solution to end the cycle of violence,” as reported by Reuters.
The Biden administration is facing domestic and international pressure to increase diplomatic efforts, but insists that “the ball is in Hamas’ court.” Meanwhile, Israel has stated that it will not agree to a full withdrawal or any permanent ceasefire until all hostages are returned and Hamas is dismantled.
Written by Vandan Parakh
