President Donald Trump’s administration has floated a proposal to end the war in Gaza by securing the release of all remaining Israeli hostages in exchange for halting military operations. The deal has been conveyed to Hamas but has not yet been accepted.
The message was delivered through Gershom Baskin, an Israeli civilian and columnist with longstanding ties to Palestinian intermediaries. Baskin was previously instrumental in the 2011 Gilad Shalit exchange, in which Israel released over 1,000 convicted terrorists — including Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, later identified as a mastermind of the October 7 attacks. That precedent has fueled controversy, but with growing pressure in Israel, the Trump administration is seeking one last attempt at a deal.
The Times of Israel reported that the U.S. outlined principles rather than a fully detailed framework. The concept centers on securing the return of all remaining hostages in Gaza — roughly 48, with perhaps fewer than 20 still alive. In exchange, Washington would push for an end to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
Israel has insisted that partial releases are unacceptable, demanding that Hamas free all hostages at once and agree to disarm. Hamas has consistently refused the latter condition, hoping instead to regroup and rearm.
The timing of the proposal comes as Israel prepares for a major offensive in Gaza City and as massive protests in Tel Aviv call for an immediate hostage deal. For the Trump administration, the move represents both a humanitarian push and a last-ditch attempt to resolve a conflict that has destabilized the region.
Whether Hamas will accept the terms remains uncertain, but the deal underscores the administration’s willingness to directly confront one of the most contentious issues in the ongoing war.
