Hamas and Israel are preparing for talks about a ceasefire proposal backed by the United States. On Wednesday, both sides expressed their positions, with Hamas indicating it might consider an agreement. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated firmly that “there will be no Hamas” in Gaza after the conflict.
The U.S. President, Donald Trump, announced a 60-day ceasefire plan on Tuesday, urging Hamas to accept it before conditions worsen. He noted that Israel had agreed to the terms but emphasized that Hamas must be defeated before any lasting peace can be achieved. Trump suggested that an agreement could be reached as soon as next week.
Hamas responded by reiterating its long-standing demand for an end to the conflict in Gaza as part of any deal. A Hamas official, Taher al-Nunu, expressed the group’s readiness to reach an agreement that would lead to a complete end to the war. A delegation from Hamas is expected to meet with Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo to discuss the proposal.
The two sides have struggled to agree on how the conflict should conclude throughout the nearly 21 months of fighting. Hamas has stated it is willing to release the remaining 50 hostages in exchange for a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a cessation of hostilities. However, Israel insists it will only consider a ceasefire if Hamas surrenders and disarms, which the group refuses to do.
An Israeli official revealed that the proposed deal includes a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and an increase in humanitarian aid to the area. However, Israel has not committed to any assurances regarding ending the conflict as part of this proposal.
As the situation unfolds, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen. The Hamas-run Health Ministry reported over 57,000 deaths since the conflict began on October 7, 2023, following an attack by Hamas militants that left 1,200 people dead in Israel. The war has displaced more than 90% of Gaza’s population, leading to widespread hunger and devastation.
The urgency for a ceasefire is palpable, with families of hostages pleading for a resolution. Idit Ohel, the mother of one hostage, expressed her hope that international pressure would help bring about an end to the fighting and ensure the return of her son.
Trump’s warning to Hamas, suggesting that conditions will only worsen if they do not accept the ceasefire, reflects the high stakes involved. The conflict has caused immense suffering, and the world watches closely as both sides prepare for negotiations that could shape the future of Gaza.