Diplomatic Efforts for a Ceasefire and Prisoner Exchange Agreement in Gaza (2025)

Diplomatic efforts to establish a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement in Gaza emerged in September 2025 under the mediation of U.S. President Donald Trump, aiming to end the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The primary objective of the process is to halt the war in Gaza, secure the mutual release of prisoners, and alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the region. These initiatives have taken shape against the backdrop of Israel’s large-scale military operations that began in October 2023, the presence of Israeli captives held by Hamas, the detention of thousands of Palestinians, and mounting pressure from the international community.

U.S. New Ceasefire Proposal

The new ceasefire proposal introduced by the United States focuses on halting hostilities and facilitating a prisoner swap. Prepared by U.S. President Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, the proposal was conveyed to Hamas through Israeli mediator Gershon Baskin. Key elements of the proposal include Israel’s cessation of attacks on Gaza, the release of all 48 Israeli captives (both living and deceased), the suspension of the “Gideon’s War Chariots 2” operation targeting Gaza City, and the initiation of direct negotiations led personally by Trump.

Israel’s Position

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office stated that it is “seriously evaluating” the U.S. proposal. Israeli public broadcasters KAN and Channel 12 reported that the plan contains “fundamental differences” from previous initiatives. According to these reports, the proposal envisages the release of all Israeli captives on day one in exchange for the evacuation of thousands of Palestinian detainees, the suspension of military operations, and direct negotiations under Trump’s leadership. However, Israel has expressed doubts that Hamas will accept the proposal. Israel’s key conditions include Hamas laying down its arms, the demilitarization of Gaza, the retention of Israeli security control over the territory, and the establishment of an alternative civilian administration in Gaza that poses no threat to Israel.

Hamas’s Response

Hamas announced that it received the U.S. proposals through intermediaries and declared itself “ready to sit at the negotiation table immediately.” The movement demands the full release of all Israeli captives in exchange for the evacuation of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons, the complete withdrawal of the Israeli military from Gaza, and the formal end of the war. Hamas also stated that it would accept the transfer of Gaza’s administration to an independent Palestinian technocratic body. Citing past failures to implement agreements, Hamas has insisted that any potential accord be placed under international guarantees.

Donald Trump’s Statements

U.S. President Donald Trump, in statements made via the social media platform Truth Social, said, “The Israelis have accepted my terms; it is now time for Hamas to accept,” and indicated that he had issued a “final warning” to Hamas. Trump’s plan entails the immediate release of all captives in exchange for the evacuation of thousands of Palestinian detainees and direct negotiations led by himself to end the war. Warnings were issued that rejection of the proposal by Hamas would result in severe consequences. Trump also stated that the process could conclude swiftly and that the recovery of all captives remains the goal.

Palestinian Authority’s Diplomatic Efforts

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas traveled to the United Kingdom where he met with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other senior officials. Discussions focused on securing an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, implementing a reconstruction plan, halting Israeli settlement activities, and preparing for an international conference to advance the two-state solution. Abbas’s outreach coincides with a period in which Western countries are debating the possibility of recognizing a Palestinian state.