A recent ceasefire proposal for Gaza, announced by US President Donald Trump, has been rejected by Hamas, while Israel’s response remains cautious and conditional. The conflicting positions highlight the challenges in ending the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip.
Mourners carry the body of a Palestinian, who, according to Gaza’s health ministry, was killed in an overnight Israeli strike on a tent, near Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, July 2, 2025. REUTERS/Hatem Khaled
President Trump introduced a 60-day ceasefire plan supported by Qatar and Egypt, aiming to reduce hostilities and increase humanitarian aid to the region. Trump urged Hamas to accept the agreement to prevent further deterioration of the situation. He expressed hope that Hamas would agree, warning that conditions would only worsen otherwise.
Demands Challenging Progress
However, Hamas has maintained its long-standing position that any ceasefire must bring a complete end to the war in Gaza. Taher al-Nounou, a senior Hamas official, said the group is “ready and serious” about achieving a deal, but only one that results in a full cessation of fighting. Hamas is reportedly prepared to release the remaining 50 hostages—many believed to be alive—in exchange for Israel’s full withdrawal from Gaza and the war’s end.
Palestinians inspect the damage at the site of an overnight Israeli air strike on a tent sheltering displaced people, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, July 2, 2025. REUTERS/Hatem Khaled TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Israel, on the other hand, insists it will only agree to a ceasefire if Hamas surrenders, disarms, and is exiled, demands Hamas refuses to accept. According to an Israeli official, the latest proposal involves a partial Israeli withdrawal and increased humanitarian aid but does not guarantee a complete end to the conflict. This lack of firm Israeli commitment has raised doubts about the viability of the ceasefire.
More Meetings
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet President Trump at the White House for discussions, following prior meetings between Israeli officials and American representatives on the Gaza conflict, Iran, and other regional issues.
FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S., April 7, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Mohatt/File Photo
The proposal follows recent mediation efforts by Qatar that led to a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, after months of conflict related to Iran’s nuclear program and regional tensions. Hamas previously rejected an earlier US-supported ceasefire offer.
Internal Divisions and Support
A combination picture shows Blue and White party then-leader Benny Gantz (top left) after an announcement March 3, 2020, Israeli far-right lawmaker Itamar Ben-Gvir (top right) speaking at a news conference October 30, 2022, Israeli then-Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (bottom left) during a news conference May 25, 2021, and Israel’s Prime Minister Yair Lapid (bottom right) during a cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, August 14, 2022. REUTERS/Corinna Kern, REUTERS/Amir Cohen, Alex Brandon/Pool via REUTERS, Maya Alleruzzo/Pool via REUTERS
Political opposition within Israel complicates the prospect of peace. Two influential far-right ministers in Netanyahu’s government—Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir—strongly oppose any ceasefire deal that would allow hostage releases, advocating instead for the continuation of the war until Hamas is destroyed. Their stance threatens Netanyahu’s parliamentary majority.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid has offered to support Netanyahu in reaching a hostage release agreement should these ministers break ranks, signaling possible political shifts ahead.
Family and supporters of hostages attend a protest demanding the return of all the hostages kidnapped during the deadly October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas, outside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office in Jerusalem, July 1, 2025. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar urged not to miss the opportunity for hostage release, emphasizing that a large majority in government and public opinion supports the plan.
As diplomatic efforts advance amid these complex dynamics, the future of the Gaza conflict and the possibility of a lasting ceasefire remain uncertain.
