Conflicting Ceasefire Reports In Gaza Amid Escalating Humanitarian Emergency

On Monday A Palestinian official told Reuters that Hamas had agreed to a United States-brokered ceasefire proposal involving a 70-day truce and the exchange of 10 living Israeli captives for an undisclosed number of Palestinian prisoners. The proposal, reportedly presented by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, seemed like a glimmer of progress in a war now entering its eighth brutal month.

But within hours, conflicting reports surrounding the proposed ceasefire emerged, throwing diplomatic efforts into uncertainty. Witkoff dismissed the reported Hamas response, calling it “disappointing and completely unacceptable”. Israeli authorities followed suit, stating that the terms under discussion were not officially sanctioned and could not be endorsed by any sitting government

Meanwhile, the cost of delay is counted in lives.

At least 81 Palestinians have been killed since dawn on May 27 in Israeli air raids across Gaza, according to medical sources quoted by Al Jazeera. Of these, 53 were killed in Gaza City alone. The most harrowing attack struck the Fahmi al-Jarjawi School, where families had been sheltering. At least 36 people, including women and children, died in the blast, Al Jazeera reported.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a U.S.-backed aid group, has commenced operations to distribute aid in Gaza. The plan involves using private contractors under Israeli security oversight to deliver aid to designated hubs. However, the United Nations and several NGOs have criticised this approach, arguing that it bypasses established humanitarian channels and may not effectively reach those in need. Jake Wood, the executive director of GHF, resigned, citing the inability to maintain core humanitarian principles under the U.S. and Israeli-backed aid delivery plan.

The World Health Organisation reported on Monday that essential medications, painkillers, antibiotics, even anaesthetics, have “essentially run out.” WHO spokesperson Dr. Margaret Harris said that hospitals are operating in collapse mode, with staff forced to triage cases without basic supplies.

“We are seeing mass casualties arrive every day, and we have nothing left to treat them with,” a

With ceasefire negotiations stalled and civilian casualties mounting, Gaza's humanitarian crisis shows no sign of easing. While international actors call for restraint and renewed diplomacy, there remains no concrete agreement in place. On the ground, aid remains limited, hospitals are overwhelmed, and the toll continues to rise.