Ongoing war in Gaza prompts new U.S.-backed negotiations, with key conditions and responses still under discussion.
Optimism Grows Over Potential Gaza Cease-Fire as Netanyahu Prepares for Trump Meeting
Optimism Grows Over Potential Gaza Cease-Fire as Netanyahu Prepares for Trump Meeting
Israeli officials express cautious hope for a new cease-fire agreement as meaningful talks appear on the horizon.
Israeli officials exhibited cautious optimism on Wednesday regarding the potential for a new cease-fire and hostage release agreement in Gaza, just days before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's scheduled meeting with President Trump in Washington. However, uncertainties linger about whether this latest U.S.-endorsed initiative can effectively resolve the longstanding impasse between Israel and Hamas—most notably, whether the proposed cessation of hostilities could indeed bring an end to the nearly two-year conflict.
On Tuesday, Israel conveyed to the United States its willingness to accept “conditions to finalize” a 60-day cease-fire with Hamas—a move highlighted by President Trump in a social media announcement. During this period, all parties aim to use the temporary cessation of violence to negotiate a resolution to the conflict.
This new effort represents a more ambitious plan compared to a prior proposal from May, featuring more robust assurances that mediation—primarily by the U.S.—will persist during the two-month truce, until both parties arrive at a conclusion to the war, according to three unnamed Israeli officials discussing the matter.
While Hamas has yet to formally respond to the newly proposed terms, two of the Israeli officials indicated that there is cautious hope that this latest push could rejuvenate the stalling cease-fire negotiations, responding to growing pressure from Trump for a resolution. Hamas maintains its stance that it will only release hostages if Israel agrees to completely cease its military operations in Gaza. Netanyahu has publically indicated readiness for a "temporary cease-fire" but insists that he will not end the conflict until Hamas relinquishes its control over Gaza and its leaders move into exile—terms that Hamas categorically rejects.
Israeli concessions seem to have taken shape, with new guarantees accepted, although the exact wording remains ambiguous. Hamas has historically demanded clauses similar to those now proposed, but Israeli officials have been hesitant, asserting that such terms would covertly transform a temporary truce into a permanent solution.
Some analysts suggest Netanyahu—emboldened by what many Israelis perceive as a successful conflict resolution against Iran in June—may be ready for a shift in strategy. The ongoing war has seen devastating losses, with over 56,000 casualties reported by the Gaza health ministry, which does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths. The conflict ignited when Hamas and its allies launched an attack against Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 civilian deaths along with more than 250 hostages taken according to Israel.
On Tuesday, Israel conveyed to the United States its willingness to accept “conditions to finalize” a 60-day cease-fire with Hamas—a move highlighted by President Trump in a social media announcement. During this period, all parties aim to use the temporary cessation of violence to negotiate a resolution to the conflict.
This new effort represents a more ambitious plan compared to a prior proposal from May, featuring more robust assurances that mediation—primarily by the U.S.—will persist during the two-month truce, until both parties arrive at a conclusion to the war, according to three unnamed Israeli officials discussing the matter.
While Hamas has yet to formally respond to the newly proposed terms, two of the Israeli officials indicated that there is cautious hope that this latest push could rejuvenate the stalling cease-fire negotiations, responding to growing pressure from Trump for a resolution. Hamas maintains its stance that it will only release hostages if Israel agrees to completely cease its military operations in Gaza. Netanyahu has publically indicated readiness for a "temporary cease-fire" but insists that he will not end the conflict until Hamas relinquishes its control over Gaza and its leaders move into exile—terms that Hamas categorically rejects.
Israeli concessions seem to have taken shape, with new guarantees accepted, although the exact wording remains ambiguous. Hamas has historically demanded clauses similar to those now proposed, but Israeli officials have been hesitant, asserting that such terms would covertly transform a temporary truce into a permanent solution.
Some analysts suggest Netanyahu—emboldened by what many Israelis perceive as a successful conflict resolution against Iran in June—may be ready for a shift in strategy. The ongoing war has seen devastating losses, with over 56,000 casualties reported by the Gaza health ministry, which does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths. The conflict ignited when Hamas and its allies launched an attack against Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 civilian deaths along with more than 250 hostages taken according to Israel.
