Media: US urges Israel, Hamas to accept revised Gaza ceasefire proposal

White House envoy Steve Witkoff has presented Israel and Hamas with a new proposal aimed at securing a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza, two sources familiar with the matter told Axios. 

The Israeli military announced on May 18 that five infantry and armoured divisions had launched a major offensive in northern and southern Gaza under "Operation Gideon's Chariots." Israeli defence officials said the operation includes the reoccupation of Gaza and widespread destruction of Hamas infrastructure, Caliber.Az reports. 

Despite the military escalation, Witkoff has reportedly continued direct talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his close adviser Ron Dermer. He is also communicating with Hamas leadership in Doha through a back-channel facilitated by Palestinian-American businessman Bishara Bahbah. That channel was instrumental in the recent release of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander.

According to sources, Witkoff’s updated proposal closely mirrors earlier ones — offering the release of 10 Israeli hostages in exchange for a 45–60 day ceasefire and the release of Palestinian prisoners. However, the new version includes revised language aimed at paving the way to end the war. 

“The new offer tries to give Hamas confidence that it's worth moving forward with a partial deal now, because it could lead to the end of the war later on," a source with knowledge of the negotiations said.

The updated language is reportedly designed to reassure Hamas that Israeli leadership, particularly Prime Minister Netanyahu, cannot unilaterally declare an end to the ceasefire and resume hostilities, as he did in March.

While Netanyahu has reportedly responded positively to the proposal, he attached numerous conditions and reservations. Hamas, on the other hand, has yet to formally accept the deal and is seeking clearer guarantees that a temporary truce could transition into a permanent cessation of hostilities.

"The talks in Doha in recent days are a facade. This is not where the real negotiations are taking place at the moment. If Hamas and Israel agree to the principles of the Witkoff proposal, the negotiations will move to Doha to discuss the details," an Israeli official said.

The already fragile negotiations have been further complicated by Israel’s targeted strike on Hamas military leader Mohammed Sinwar, who is believed to have been killed along with several senior commanders. The strike has deepened mistrust within Hamas toward the Trump administration's.

Speaking on ABC’s This Week on May 18, Witkoff said President Trump is concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

"The Israelis have indicated that they're going to begin to allow a lot more of these trucks to get in," Witkoff said, before adding that the situation is "logistically complicated. And the conditions on the ground are dangerous."

“We do not want to see a humanitarian crisis,” Witkoff emphasised. “And we will not allow it to occur on President Trump's watch.”

By Sabina Mammadli