Since the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 Israelis and abducting 251 hostages, Israel has launched a persistent military campaign in Gaza. Gaza’s Ministry of Health reports over 57,000 Palestinian deaths, marking one of the Middle East’s most prolonged and destructive conflicts. Brief ceasefires, facilitated by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S., allowed some hostages to be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners. Yet, these truces collapsed due to mutual accusations of violations and failure to secure long-term peace.
A New U.S.-Backed Ceasefire Proposal
The President’s Push for a 60-Day Truce
President Trump has pushed for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, aiming to stop the conflict. He stated that Israel is open to the necessary terms for this truce, highlighting U.S. efforts to end hostilities. The plan includes stopping Israeli military actions and halting Hamas rocket fire. It also proposes mechanisms for hostage release and prisoner swaps, along with gradually reopening borders and humanitarian routes. Although specifics are secret, the U.S. would oversee compliance and gradually lift economic and movement restrictions on Gaza, depending on stability.
Hamas’s “Immediate” Readiness
Hamas declared its willingness to start negotiations based on the U.S. proposal. Senior leaders, after consulting with Palestinian factions like Islamic Jihad, agreed to discuss logistics and security without preconditions. They insisted a truce must include the unconditional release of all civilian hostages held by Hamas, assurances that Israel won’t resume military actions once hostages are freed, and lifting the blockade for ongoing humanitarian aid. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad also supported talks, emphasizing that any deal must guarantee lasting protection for Gaza’s civilians.
Israel’s Deliberation: Security Cabinet to Convene
Post-Sabbath Meeting
Israel’s security cabinet will meet after the Sabbath to assess Hamas’s statement and decide on an official response. A government official noted that no decision has been made yet, highlighting the challenge of balancing military goals with diplomatic efforts. Prime Minister Netanyahu and his ministers are considering several key factors: Verification mechanisms to ensure Hamas honors the truce and releases hostages; the scope of the ceasefire, including whether to involve other Palestinian factions like PIJ; phased implementation, which involves coordinating military de-escalation with humanitarian aid and prisoner exchanges; and international oversight, determining the role of U.S. or U.N. in monitoring and enforcing agreements.
Netanyahu’s Washington Trip
Prime Minister Netanyahu will travel to Washington on Monday to meet President Trump. The goal is to strengthen U.S. support for Israel’s security, especially against threats from Gaza, and to request more military and economic aid. Netanyahu’s government faces pressure at home to show progress in ending conflicts and protecting Israelis, including hostages’ families in Gaza.
Palestinian Factions’ Responses
Islamic Jihad’s Conditions
The PIJ is open to talks but demands firm assurances that Israel won’t restart aggression after a ceasefire. They insist any Israeli violation should automatically restart conflict and want an independent Palestinian body to monitor adherence.
Fatah and the Palestinian Authority
The Palestinian Authority (PA) in the West Bank has limited influence in Gaza, yet President Mahmoud Abbas’s Fatah party supports ceasefire efforts. The PA advocates for a united Palestinian front, urging Hamas and other groups to work together under a joint leadership committee. However, significant political divisions between Gaza’s Islamist rulers and the Fatah-led PA have historically hindered unified Palestinian decision-making.
Humanitarian Context: Gaza’s Dire Needs
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation Attack
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), supported by the U.S. and Israel, reported an attack on its Khan Yunis distribution center. Two American aid workers were injured when grenades were thrown after a food distribution event. Although the GHF confirmed the workers are stable, ABC News hasn’t verified the incident. The foundation started on May 26 due to Israel’s supply halt, which led to famine warnings. GHF had warned authorities about “credible threats from Hamas” against aid workers.
Aid Distribution Challenges
The GHF’s mission is in turmoil, plagued by chaos and violence. Over 500 people have died at aid distribution sites in Gaza, according to the UN Human Rights Office. The Israeli military blames Hamas for manipulating aid lines and causing security issues. Meanwhile, human rights organizations criticize Israel for not providing safe routes for civilians in need of food.
Broader Humanitarian Crisis
Gaza’s 2.3 million people face severe shortages of food, medicine, fuel, and water due to strict border controls. Without a strong ceasefire and safe aid routes, international agencies warn of potential famine and health system collapse. Immediate, lasting peace is crucial, not just for hostage release, but to alleviate civilian suffering.
International Diplomatic Efforts
U.S. Mediation and Pressure
The U.S. is leading efforts for a ceasefire, using political and economic tools. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has engaged in deep talks with Israeli and Palestinian leaders. Meanwhile, Congress is discussing more humanitarian aid for Gaza. The White House suggests that if Israel agrees to the ceasefire, it could lead to more U.S. military support. However, Netanyahu’s team is wary of tying security aid to diplomatic deals.
Regional Stakeholders
Egypt and Qatar, key mediators, are prepared to host discussions in Cairo or Doha. Both nations have previously facilitated negotiations and keep indirect communications with Hamas’s political bureau. Qatar offers financial support to Gaza’s administration, while Egypt manages the Rafah crossing, Gaza’s only exit not via Israel.
United Nations and EU Engagement
The UN Secretary-General and the European Union demand a ceasefire, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis. The Security Council plans to discuss a resolution soon, but previous efforts have failed due to veto threats from permanent members. Meanwhile, the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) is ready to expand support for refugee camps if violence decreases.
Conclusion
Gaza, in its twenty-first month of conflict, sees hope for a U.S.-backed ceasefire. Hamas is ready to negotiate, marking a crucial moment. Israel’s security cabinet must balance freeing hostages and easing civilian suffering with preventing Hamas from rearming. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Washington meetings are crucial. Gaza’s starving people and injured aid workers highlight the urgency: failing to secure a ceasefire risks more civilian disaster and the collapse of humanitarian aid. Diplomats are racing against time to reach an agreement, as millions on both sides long for a lasting peace that has been out of reach for too long.
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