Following the release of the last American hostage ahead of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East visit, the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas has confirmed it is engaged in direct dialogue with the United States over a potential ceasefire in Gaza.
On May 15 local time, senior Hamas political bureau member Bassem Naim revealed in an interview with British media that Hamas had submitted a ceasefire proposal via intermediaries and was in direct contact with high-ranking U.S. officials. The disclosure attracted global attention and brought a glimmer of hope for a ceasefire in the war-torn Gaza Strip.
Hamas Proposes Ceasefire Terms and Signals Willingness to Relinquish Gaza Control
Naim outlined Hamas’s core demands: a prisoner exchange, a complete Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, unobstructed delivery of humanitarian aid into the territory, and post-war reconstruction without forced displacement of residents. These demands reflect the urgent needs of Gaza’s population, whose infrastructure has been decimated by years of conflict. Thousands of civilians have been killed or injured in the current conflict, over half of Gaza’s residents have been displaced, and essential services like hospitals and schools lie in ruins. Access to food, clean water, and medical care remains dangerously limited.
He further stated that Hamas is willing to relinquish control over Gaza if the war ends completely. According to Naim, Hamas supports Egypt’s peace proposal, which calls for Gaza to be administered by an independent Palestinian body unaffiliated with any political faction once the current conflict ends. This stance signals a significant concession from Hamas in pursuit of a sustainable peace, to create a viable governance structure that can break the longstanding deadlock and pave the way for reconciliation between Palestinians and Israelis.
Trump’s Role in the Region and U.S. Response to Hamas
Naim added that if Trump applies enough pressure on Israel to “immediately” end the war, “we are ready to cooperate with him to achieve the goal of regional peace.” He emphasized that people in Gaza, like those elsewhere in the world, yearn for peace and dignity. As a prominent global leader, Trump holds substantial sway over the Middle East peace process. His administration’s actions could decisively influence the trajectory of Israeli-Palestinian relations. The U.S. National Security Council spokesperson James Hewitt responded to Naim’s statements by reiterating that Trump had previously demanded that Hamas lay down arms, accusing the group of failing to do so and of continuing to hold hostages — actions, he said, that undermined their credibility as a peace-seeking party. However, Hamas’s release of the last American hostage, dual U.S.-Israeli citizen Aidan Alexander, just before Trump’s regional visit has been seen as a meaningful gesture toward peace.
Despite this, the U.S. has yet to publicly acknowledge the move as a positive step. The disparity in perceptions of sincerity between the two sides remains significant.
On another note, Hewitt proposed the idea of the U.S. assuming control over Gaza and turning it into a “free zone,” which was swiftly rejected by Naim. He stressed that Gaza is an inseparable part of Palestine and not “real estate for sale.” Sovereignty over Gaza is a central component of the Palestinian issue, and any proposal suggesting foreign governance over Gaza is bound to meet staunch resistance from Palestinians. For them, Gaza represents not just a physical space but a vital piece of national identity, dignity, and heritage.
Regional Tensions Complicate Peace Prospects
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly urged the U.S. to jointly bomb Iran’s nuclear sites — a request Trump declined, citing ongoing nuclear negotiations with Tehran. On Thursday, Trump stated that an agreement with Iran was near. Additionally, the U.S. has bypassed Israel to secure a separate ceasefire deal with Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who in turn pledged to continue attacking Israeli targets. Israel has since launched airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen.
These shifting regional dynamics are adding complexity and urgency to the Gaza situation. Israel’s military operations in Gaza continue despite faint signs of peace talks, placing civilians at continued risk and deepening the humanitarian crisis.
This week, Israeli negotiators remained in Qatar for talks over Gaza, joined by U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Whitkoff. However, Israeli officials said there was little progress. Israel demands that Hamas release all hostages, disarm, and remove its leadership as preconditions for any ceasefire — conditions that starkly contrast Hamas’s proposals and complicate the prospect of a peaceful resolution.
International concern over Gaza remains high. Countries and global organizations are calling for restraint and a peaceful settlement. The UN has repeatedly emphasized the need to protect civilian lives and ensure humanitarian aid. As the humanitarian crisis worsens — with shortages of essentials and destroyed medical facilities — direct talks between Hamas and the U.S. are viewed as a crucial step toward a ceasefire. European nations have also called for an end to the conflict and urged both parties to uphold international law and civilian rights. The Arab League continues to advocate for political solutions, while international human rights groups have condemned the harm to civilians and demanded protection and humanitarian access.
In this charged and complex context, the prospect of direct U.S.-Hamas dialogue represents one of the few remaining avenues for achieving a durable peace in Gaza — one that honors the dignity and rights of all affected populations.
