Hamas Responds to Gaza Truce Proposal Amid Dire Warnings of Mass Starvation
A possible step toward de-escalating the catastrophic conflict that has engulfed the region for almost two years was indicated on July 24, 2025, when Hamas confirmed that it had responded to a proposed ceasefire framework for Gaza. The response, however, comes against a somber backdrop as more than 115 humanitarian organizations, including Save the Children, Oxfam, and Doctors Without Borders, have warned that Israel’s ongoing military offensive and severe aid restrictions will cause “mass starvation” to spread throughout Gaza. With millions of lives at stake, this crucial moment emphasizes the urgent need for a long-term truce to prevent a worsening humanitarian crisis.
Hamas declared on its official website that it had concluded internal discussions and responded in a “positive spirit” to mediators, such as Egypt and Qatar. According to reports, the ceasefire framework calls for a 60-day truce, the release of 28 hostages—including 10 who are still alive—in exchange for more than 1,200 Palestinian prisoners, and more humanitarian aid. The group stated its willingness to begin negotiations right away to put the ceasefire framework into effect. A Hamas-affiliated Palestinian official did, however, highlight outstanding issues, such as the requirement for more precise schedules for Israeli troop withdrawals, improved aid distribution, and authority over the Rafah crossing into Egypt. Notwithstanding these obstacles, an Egyptian security official said that Hamas’ response included “positive signs” that an agreement might be close, even though some demands still need to be negotiated.
The severe humanitarian situation in Gaza, where more than two million people experience severe food insecurity, highlights the urgency of a ceasefire. Given that 111 Palestinians, including 80 children, have been reported dead from starvation since the start of the conflict, 115 aid organizations issued a joint statement warning of “record rates of acute malnutrition,” especially among children and the elderly. 25 of these deaths, including four children, happened in the last 48 hours alone, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health, which is run by Hamas. According to the groups, Israel has imposed a “total siege” that prevents access to food, water, and medical supplies, resulting in “chaos, starvation, and death.” More than 800 Palestinians have reportedly died close to aid distribution locations, and the UN blames Israeli forces for many of these deaths to Israeli forces firing on crowds seeking food.
Israel says it has permitted more than 4,500 aid trucks to enter Gaza since lifting a two-month blockade in May, and 700 of them are waiting to be picked up at the Kerem Shalom crossing. Israel denies planning a starvation policy. Israeli spokesman David Mencer accused Hamas of creating a ‘man-made shortage’ by obstructing the delivery of aid and pilfering supplies, claims that Hamas refutes. The UN and aid organizations criticize the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), supported by Israel and the United States, for its lack of neutrality and military ties, which they say go against humanitarian principles. The GHF claims to have delivered 87 million meals since late May.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of the World Health Organization, called the situation ‘man-made mass starvation,’ pointing out that tons of food and supplies are remain trapped outside of Gaza because of access limitations. Families were surviving on a single piece of bread shared by five or six people, according to the International Rescue Committee, with 90% of Gaza’s population displaced and vital infrastructure destroyed. In order to effectively address the crisis, the UN and aid organizations are demanding an immediate ceasefire, the reopening of all land crossings, and a return to UN-led aid distribution.
The international community, which includes 28 Western governments, has stepped up calls for an end to the war as mediators attempt to close the gap between Israel and Hamas. They have denounced the “drip-feeding of aid” and the suffering of civilians. There is hope for progress as Steve Witkoff, the envoy for the Trump administration, is scheduled to travel to Europe and potentially the Middle East to advocate for a humanitarian corridor and ceasefire. However, the road to peace is still rocky after Israeli strikes overnight on July 23 killed 21 people, including women and children. As international efforts to save lives and restore stability intensify, keep up with the ceasefire negotiations in Gaza and the pressing humanitarian situation.
