Context:

The White House has proposed a cease-fire plan to Hamas, backed by Israel, aimed at allowing aid into Gaza amid international pressure to end hostilities. This proposal includes a 60-day cease-fire and aid operations managed by the U.N., but Hamas is hesitant due to insufficient guarantees for ending the war. The international community, including countries like Germany and Italy, has criticized Israel's military actions in Gaza, increasing pressure for a resolution. Both sides have shown willingness to negotiate terms, such as the release of hostages, but key issues like disarmament and territorial withdrawal remain unresolved. The conflict, which began with a deadly Hamas attack in 2023, has led to a significant loss of life, with the recent proposal seen as a potential step towards a long-term peace agreement.

Dive Deeper:

• The United States, with Israeli backing, has put forward a cease-fire proposal to Hamas designed to permit humanitarian aid into Gaza, amidst growing calls from the international community to halt the ongoing violence and destruction. The proposal's initial phase suggests a 60-day cease-fire, coupled with aid delivery through U.N.-organized operations.

• Despite not outright rejecting the proposal, Hamas has expressed doubts about the adequacy of the guarantees provided for ending the war, highlighting a significant hurdle in negotiations. Israel, on the other hand, is adamant about retaining the right to resume military operations if Hamas does not disarm and surrender.

• The conflict, which began in October 2023 following a Hamas attack that resulted in significant casualties and hostages, has led to an extensive Israeli military campaign in Gaza, causing tens of thousands of deaths as reported by Gazan health officials.

• International patience is wearing thin, with countries such as Germany, Italy, and Canada voicing criticism over Israel's military expansion and the rising civilian death toll in Gaza, thus increasing diplomatic pressure for a peaceful resolution.

• The proposal includes terms both parties previously agreed upon, such as the exchange of hostages and prisoners, yet the viability of a lasting peace remains uncertain due to unresolved disputes over disarmament and the future status of Gaza.

• Steve Witkoff, President Trump's envoy to the Middle East, expressed optimism about reaching a temporary cease-fire that could pave the way for a long-term resolution, despite the complexities involved in the negotiations.

• Past attempts at cease-fires, including a multiphase agreement in January, have failed due to breakdowns over implementation details, illustrating the challenges in achieving a durable peace in the region.