US Proposes 60-Day Gaza Ceasefire with Hostage-Prisoner Exchange

US-Led Ceasefire Proposal

• 🇺🇸 The United States has put forth a 60-day ceasefire plan for Gaza, aiming to facilitate the delivery of essential aid.
• 🌍 This proposal comes as the United Nations highlights Gaza as the hungriest region on Earth, while Israel continues air strikes.

Hostage and Prisoner Exchange Details

• 🤝 According to a Reuters document, Hamas would release 28 Israeli hostages (alive and dead) within the first week.
• ⚖️ In return, Israel would release 1,236 Palestinian prisoners and the remains of 180 deceased Palestinians.
• 🚚 Israel would permit aid delivery through channels agreed upon by the UN, Red Crescent, and other organizations.

International Pressure and Reactions

• 🇫🇷 French President Emmanuel Macron has threatened sanctions if a humanitarian response is not forthcoming.
• 🗣️ The White House stated on Thursday that Israel had agreed to the US ceasefire proposal.
• 💬 Hamas is currently reviewing the plan and is expected to respond on Friday or Saturday.

Obstacles to Previous Ceasefires

• ⚠️ Previous attempts to restore a ceasefire have been hampered by deep disagreements.
• ⚔️ Key issues include Israel's demand for Hamas to disarm and Hamas's desire for a complete end to the war and troop withdrawal.

Humanitarian Crisis and Aid Efforts

• 🆘 The UN has described Gaza as the hungriest region on Earth, with experts warning that two million Palestinians are at risk of famine.
• 🚨 A recent US-backed private aid initiative faced criticism and intensified international outcry after thousands of desperate Palestinians rushed distribution points, causing private security contractors to withdraw.