**Israel and Hamas Explore Cease-Fire Amid Netanyahu's Upcoming Trump Meeting**

As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares to meet President Trump, discussions on a cease-fire in the ongoing Gaza conflict have sparked cautious optimism among Israeli officials, but challenges remain.

Israeli officials displayed a glimmer of hope on Wednesday regarding the potential for a new cease-fire in Gaza and a potential hostage release, coinciding with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's impending meeting with President Trump next week in Washington, D.C. However, much uncertainty looms over whether this latest U.S.-mediated initiative can surmount the persistent challenges between Israel and Hamas, particularly concerning the duration and conditions of a truce.

On Tuesday, Israel communicated to the United States its agreement to “conditions to finalize” a planned 60-day cease-fire with Hamas, as noted by President Trump on social media. The aim of this temporary truce, he stated, is to allow all parties to utilize the pause in fighting to negotiate an end to the protracted conflict.

This latest proposal, which builds upon a previous May itinerary, includes broader assurances aimed at guaranteeing ongoing negotiations throughout the two-month cease-fire. This strategy is backed by multiple mediators, primarily the United States, to facilitate meaningful talks until a resolution is reached.

As of now, Hamas has not responded to the cease-fire proposal. A couple of Israeli officials expressed optimism that this effort might inject new momentum into the long-stagnant cease-fire discussions, especially as pressure mounts from the Trump administration to achieve a resolution. Hamas has communicated that they will release remaining hostages only if Israel agrees to end its military operations in Gaza. In contrast, Netanyahu has indicated he is open to a temporary cease-fire, but he conditions this on Hamas relinquishing power in Gaza and going into exile, terms the Palestinian group has rejected.

Recent Israeli concessions have reportedly included agreeing to certain guarantees in the cease-fire terms. While the specific wording remains ambiguous, these guarantees have been termed vital by Hamas in past negotiations. Israeli officials have previously dismissed similar proposals, arguing they could lead to an unintended permanent cease-fire.

Political analysts suggest that Netanyahu, riding on perceived success from recent confrontations with Iran, could be inclined to revisit his current stance. The ongoing conflict, which erupted following a Hamas-led initiative against Israel on October 7, 2023, has led to a staggering death toll exceeding 56,000, including numerous children, according to reports from Gazan health authorities. The initial assault resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals, chiefly civilians, with over 250 casualties taken as hostages.

Aaron Boxerman is a correspondent covering developments in Israel and Gaza, while Ronen Bergman contributes as a staff writer for The New York Times Magazine.