A renewed push for a ceasefire in Gaza, spearheaded by mediators and backed by the United States, hinges on whether Hamas will receive assurances that a temporary truce will lead to a permanent end to the nearly 21-month-long war. While Hamas stated it was discussing the new proposals, a source close to the group confirmed it is seeking clear ceasefire guarantees that the war will definitively conclude.
The latest proposal, reportedly accepted by Israel, outlines a 60-day truce. During this period, a phased release of hostages held in Gaza would occur in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Specifically, the deal involves the release of 10 living Israeli hostages and the bodies of 18 others. Negotiations for a permanent end to hostilities and a post-war plan for Gaza would also take place during these two months.
However, this is not the first time such a deal has been proposed. A similar framework collapsed earlier this year, and the core disagreements persist. Israel maintains its goal is the complete dismantling of Hamas’s military and governing capabilities, while Hamas insists on a full withdrawal of Israeli forces and a permanent end to the war.
Even as diplomatic efforts intensify, the situation on the ground remains dire. On Thursday, Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip killed at least 118 people in the past 24 hours, according to health authorities in the territory. This included an attack on a school in Gaza City sheltering displaced families, which killed at least 17 people. The ongoing violence underscores the urgency of the negotiations, yet also highlights the deep chasm of mistrust between the warring parties.
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The primary obstacle remains the endgame. For Hamas, accepting a deal without a commitment to a permanent peace is seen as a strategic risk. Professor Jeff Halper, director of the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions (ICAHD), noted that for Hamas, the situation is one of “life or death.”
He explained that Israel’s demand for “complete disarmament, the destruction of Hamas… with no plan of what happens the next day” is tantamount to demanding the “surrender of the entire Palestinian liberation movement.” Hamas, Halper argues, “refuses to erase itself as a representative of the Palestinian people.”
On the Israeli side, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces pressure from far-right coalition partners who oppose any deal perceived as leaving Hamas intact. However, a recent military success against Iran may have provided Netanyahu with the political capital to pursue a truce. Both Trump and Netanyahu also see a potential opportunity to expand the Abraham Accords, with a deal with Saudi Arabia being a long-term goal for the Israeli leader. Such diplomatic normalisation, however, is unlikely to proceed while the genocide in Gaza rages.
An Israeli official indicated that preparations were in place to approve a deal and that there was “definitely readiness to advance a deal.” Despite this, the lack of a concrete mechanism to ensure the war does not restart remains the central point of contention. The international community is watching closely to see if this round of talks can overcome the recurrent impasse and provide the necessary ceasefire guarantees.
Image: Mahmoud Issa/Reuters
