This week, will Trump’s new ceasefire proposal for Gaza work? Russia proposes new Ukraine peace talks amidst ongoing tensions. Conflict returns to South Sudan, chipping away at fragile peace.
Will Trump’s New Ceasefire Proposal for Gaza Work?
On May 28, Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s special envoy, announced plans to disseminate the new term sheet soon, saying he had “very good feelings about” achieving both a temporary ceasefire and a lasting, peaceful resolution to the conflict. On May 30, Associated Press reported that Witkoff had not yet publicized this proposal, however, Israel had accepted it. Meanwhile, the outlet reported that Hamas officials said they wanted to study the proposal more closely before giving a formal answer.
A Hamas official and an Egyptian official anonymously told AP that the ceasefire calls for a 60-day pause in fighting, guarantees of serious negotiations leading to a long-term truce, and assurances that Israel will not resume hostilities after the release of hostages, as it did in March. Israeli forces would return to the positions they held during the ceasefire which ended that month. The ceasefire would also include the exchange of 10 living hostages for 1,100 Palestinian prisoners, and hundreds of food and aid trucks would be allowed to enter Gaza.
Last week, ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas resumed in Doha on May 17. Hamas official Taher al-Nono told Reuters that both sides were discussing all issues without “pre-conditions.” However, Israel intensified its military operations in Gaza, launching Operation Gideon’s Chariots, which involves a ground incursion. The operation killed at least 160 people on March 17. ABC News’ journalist Diaa Ostaz, reporting from Khan Younis, said the situation is “getting worse not day by day, but hour by hour.” To read last week’s report on the situation, click here.
Ever since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing over 1,200 people, the humanitarian situation has continued to deteriorate for Palestinians in Gaza. Over 50,000 Palestinians are reported to have reported killed. Meanwhile, Israel is still holding 58 hostages, about a third of whom are believed to be alive, AP reports.
Russia Proposes New Ukraine Peace Talks Amidst Ongoing Tensions
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Russia wants the next round of direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul on June 2, aiming for a sustainable peace settlement. While Ukraine has not yet responded, the proposal comes as U.S. President Donald Trump expressed concerns over potential delays in negotiations.
The previous meeting in Istanbul on May 16 saw Ukraine’s Defence Minister Rustem Umerov engage with Russian negotiator Vladimir Medinsky. This meeting marked the first direct contact between the two countries in over three years since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Although the officials did not reach an agreement, the meeting led both sides to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war each.
Conflict Returns to South Sudan, Chipping Away at Fragile Peace
Conflict is returning to South Sudan, chipping away at the country’s fragile peace. Amnesty International on May 28 reported that violence had killed 180 people between March and mid-April amid deepening divisions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. Amnesty called for the UN Security Council to renew its arms embargo on the country, despite African members of the Council– including Sierra Leone, Somalia and Algeria – calling to lift it.
Amnesty’s call comes after last week, The New Humanitarian reported that the government had launched barrel bombs at civilians in Nasir and surrounding areas, who were taking refuge in makeshift shelters. This was after the armed group known as the White Army overran a military base. Citizens in South Sudan and those who had fled to Ethiopia told the outlet that the national army, currently backed by Ugandan forces, had used incendiary weapons.
South Sudan experienced a civil war in 2013 between First Vice President Riek Machar and President Salva Kiir. Kiir accused Machar of plotting against him, and Machar was removed as vice president. This led to brutal violence between armed groups supporting both figures. In 2018, a peace deal was agreed upon, however, many issues remain. Although the agreement ended a five-year civil war that killed over 400,000 people, talks stalled after Kiir sacked the former government delegation to the talks.
Keywords: Israel, Gaza, Palestine, Ukraine, Russia, South Sudan, peace, conflict, conflict resolution
Tara Abhasakun
Tara Abhasakun is a journalist in Bangkok. She has reported on a range of human rights issues involving youth protests in Thailand, as well as arts and culture. Tara's work has appeared in several outlets, including Al Jazeera and South China Morning Post.
