In recent discussions with President Trump, Netanyahu proposed a temporary two-month truce contingent upon Hamas releasing hostages, yet significant obstacles remain regarding disarmament and the conditions of Israeli withdrawal, as Hamas rejects key demands.
Netanyahu Faces Stalemate in Gaza Truce Talks After Washington Meetings
Netanyahu Faces Stalemate in Gaza Truce Talks After Washington Meetings
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returned home from Washington without securing a truce with Hamas amid ongoing tensions in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concluded a visit to Washington on Friday, returning to Israel without a finalized ceasefire deal with Hamas. His discussions with American officials, including President Trump, fueled hopes for a truce; however, several critical issues remain unresolved.
At the heart of the negotiation challenges are contentious topics such as the duration of a cease-fire, the extent of Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the facilitation of humanitarian aid. Prior to leaving the U.S., Netanyahu indicated he was advocating for a two-month truce which would involve Hamas releasing about half of the approximately 50 hostages held in Gaza, including both living individuals and the deceased.
Despite this, Netanyahu maintained a firm stance on key conditions for any potential agreement. He stated that Hamas must surrender its weapons before any discussions about ending the conflict could take place. "The minimal conditions that we’ve set: Hamas lays down its arms, Gaza is demilitarized, there are no longer any governing or military capabilities of Hamas. These are our fundamental conditions,” he said.
However, the reaction from Hamas was one of outright rejection, with senior official Basem Naim asserting that disarmament would "never" be part of the talks, highlighting the deep chasm that remains between the two sides. As mediators from the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar continue their efforts, the future of the truce negotiations remains uncertain, with the conflict's resolution hanging in the balance.
At the heart of the negotiation challenges are contentious topics such as the duration of a cease-fire, the extent of Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the facilitation of humanitarian aid. Prior to leaving the U.S., Netanyahu indicated he was advocating for a two-month truce which would involve Hamas releasing about half of the approximately 50 hostages held in Gaza, including both living individuals and the deceased.
Despite this, Netanyahu maintained a firm stance on key conditions for any potential agreement. He stated that Hamas must surrender its weapons before any discussions about ending the conflict could take place. "The minimal conditions that we’ve set: Hamas lays down its arms, Gaza is demilitarized, there are no longer any governing or military capabilities of Hamas. These are our fundamental conditions,” he said.
However, the reaction from Hamas was one of outright rejection, with senior official Basem Naim asserting that disarmament would "never" be part of the talks, highlighting the deep chasm that remains between the two sides. As mediators from the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar continue their efforts, the future of the truce negotiations remains uncertain, with the conflict's resolution hanging in the balance.
