In a development without precedent, Israeli officials have reportedly entered direct discussions with Hamas over a potential ceasefire and a comprehensive agreement to halt the ongoing war in Gaza. These indirect talks, facilitated through mediators from Qatar, Egypt and the United States, mark a significant shift in diplomatic engagement between the two sides
According to insider sources, the U.S.-backed proposal envisions a 60‑day truce that would see staged releases of Israeli hostages—about 10 living captives and the remains of 15 others—while Israel gradually withdraws troops from parts of Gaza
In exchange, Palestinian prisoners would be freed by Israel, alongside a substantial increase in humanitarian aid delivered through the United Nations
However, sticking points remain stark. Hamas demands the war must end permanently and Israeli forces must fully pull out of Gaza—positions Israel has yet to accept
Still, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has signalled for the first time that a durable ceasefire could be negotiable—so long as Hamas agrees to disarm
The context is sobering. More than 58,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza since the war began in October 2023, many of them civilians, and aid deliveries scraped to a halt due to ongoing violence
Meanwhile, Israel is holding fast to its core demand: that Hamas surrenders militarily before any war-ending deal is finalised
Despite these deep divisions, negotiators remain cautiously optimistic. The U.S. President has described recent progress as “good news,” while warnings persist that without a binding agreement, the cycle of hostilities could resume. Released Israeli hostages and bereaved families are urging swift action to close the deal
In the coming days, mediators are expected to refine the terms in Doha and explore whether Israel and Hamas can bridge the gap between a 60‑day truce and a long‑term, enforceable end to the Gaza war.
