This week, both Hamas and Israel presented their positions regarding a new U.S.-backed ceasefire plan, anticipating upcoming peace talks. While Hamas indicated a potential openness to an agreement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu firmly stated that Hamas would not remain in Gaza after the war.
Neither side has fully embraced the deal announced on July 1 by U.S. President Donald Trump. Hamas reiterated its long-held demand that any agreement must include a complete cessation of the war in Gaza. Trump has been urging both parties to agree to a ceasefire and the release of the remaining hostages.
Trump stated that the 60-day period would be used to negotiate an end to the war, but Israel maintains it will not agree to peace until Hamas is defeated. A Hamas spokesperson, Taher al-Nunu, expressed the group's readiness to reach a deal, stating they would accept any plan that definitively leads to a complete end to the conflict.
A Hamas delegation is expected to travel to Cairo to meet with Egyptian and Qatari mediators to discuss the plan. An Egyptian official confirmed this, requesting anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the press. Previous ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas have repeatedly failed due to disagreements over the complete cessation of hostilities.
On July 2, Hamas confirmed receiving a new proposal from the mediators and engaging in discussions to find common ground. Hamas is willing to release the remaining hostages, though fewer than half are believed to be alive, in exchange for Israel withdrawing all troops from Gaza and ending the war.
However, Israel insists the war will only end if Hamas surrenders, disarms, and leaves Gaza, demands that Hamas rejects. Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated his firm stance, stating that Hamas would not exist in Gaza.
An Israeli official revealed that the current proposal includes a 60-day ceasefire, a partial Israeli troop withdrawal, and a significant increase in aid for Gaza. Discussions to end the war could occur during this period, but Israel has not committed to agreeing to peace.
The number of hostages that might be released remains unclear, although previous agreements suggested around 10 could be freed.
Trump will meet with Netanyahu at the White House on Monday. This week, Trump stated on social media that Israel had "agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize" the 60-day ceasefire, "during which time we will work with all parties to end the War." He urged Hamas to accept the deal, warning that the situation could worsen. However, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich expressed opposition to any agreements that would end the fighting in Gaza.
5 Comments
Bermudez
It's naive to think a ceasefire will work when one side refuses to negotiate in good faith. Hamas has shown time and time again that they can't be trusted.
Fernucha
I support Israel’s right to defend itself. Any agreement that allows Hamas to remain in Gaza is unacceptable.
Eric Cartman
Peace talks are just a distraction from Hamas's true goal – the destruction of Israel. We can't let our guard down.
Kyle Broflovski
This is just another ploy by Hamas to gain international sympathy while continuing their aggression. Don’t fall for it!
Coccinella
Why should Israel agree to a ceasefire when Hamas won't disarm? It’s a recipe for future violence.