According to reports from international media, the Israeli leadership is inclined to consider the possibility of accepting the ceasefire and hostage exchange plan proposed by the United States
This information sparks a new shift amid the complex developments in the ongoing Middle East conflict, unfolding against the backdrop of a continuous fighting crisis in the Gaza Strip. Sources close to the Israeli government, as published by the American agency Axios, indicate that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu likely informed the hostage families on May 29 that Israel is ready to implement the proposed ceasefire and prisoner exchange plan, which was developed by the US President's special envoy for Middle East issues, Steve Beigun. According to these sources, this news not only brought some reassurance to the families of the captives but also stirred internal discussions within the Israeli leadership. It was expected that, during a meeting with the families, Netanyahu would reaffirm his readiness to carry out the proposed plan, which, according to an interlocutor, was personally conveyed during a meeting by the former assistant to the Prime Minister, now his advisor. However, alongside this, Hamas officials have expressed dissatisfaction with the American initiatives. According to information from anonymous sources, militants believe that Beigun’s proposal is too focused on Israeli interests and does not provide sufficient security guarantees for the Palestinian side. Specifically, the plan lacks clear commitments from the US to ensure a long-term ceasefire. The offered proposal also does not include mechanisms to guarantee the continuation of the truce if negotiations are prolonged. In particular, the plan does not envisage automatic extension of the temporary ceasefire if transitional talks last more than 60 days, and Israel can unilaterally break the agreements at any time. Unconfirmed reports suggest that representatives of Hamas leadership have not yet issued an official negative stance regarding the proposal, although they have expressed dissatisfaction and skepticism. Meanwhile, Israeli intelligence and military sources expect that the Palestinian side will likely reject the offer, as the situation in Gaza remains tense, and details of the negotiations are currently not publicly available. Sources within diplomatic and intelligence circles, citing assessments, suggest there is a high probability that Hamas will reject the American proposal in the near future. One senior Israeli intelligence official reported that, according to his information, Hamas considers this initiative inconsistent and ineffective, which they believe reduces the chances of achieving long-term peace. Previously, media reports indicated that the United States has positive expectations about upcoming negotiations and believes in the possibility of a breakthrough in the ceasefire process in Gaza. It is known that over the past two weeks, Beigun has personally conducted intensive negotiations with the Israeli prime minister and his aides, as well as through mediation involving a Palestinian businessman, Bishara Bakhbak, establishing contacts with Hamas leaders whom he managed to meet in Doha—the capital of Qatar. Equally important is the fact that, amid diplomatic tensions, European countries have intensified their involvement in the conflict. They are focusing on increasing pressure on the Israeli authorities to stop violations of humanitarian law in Gaza and to ensure the opening and passage of humanitarian aid to civilians. Discussions about the humanitarian crisis in the region and the need to protect the rights of the civilian population are gaining broader public attention and are a subject of international diplomacy. Overall, the situation remains extremely complex and dynamic. Hopes for a quick peaceful resolution are currently overshadowed by concerns regarding the feasibility of implementing the proposed plans and the potential escalation of hostilities. The international community continues to closely monitor developments, fearing that relentless escalation and the lack of effective compromise might lead to an even greater humanitarian catastrophe in the region.