Amid ongoing escalations in Gaza, ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas seem to be gaining traction, with both parties signalling an openness to halt the year-long conflict if a truce is reached. On Thursday, Israel’s spy chief was dispatched to attend ceasefire discussions, and Hamas reiterated its readiness to cease hostilities if specific conditions are met, potentially paving the way for a resolution.
The progress comes as the United States expressed hope that the recent killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar could help facilitate an agreement. A high-ranking Hamas official disclosed that delegates from the group’s Doha-based leadership had met with Egyptian officials in Cairo on Thursday to explore “ideas and proposals” for a Gaza truce.
“Hamas has expressed readiness to stop the fighting, but Israel must commit to a ceasefire, withdraw from the Gaza Strip, allow the return of displaced people, agree to a serious prisoner exchange deal, and allow the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza,” the Hamas official added.
In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voiced support for Egypt’s role in brokering a potential truce, particularly emphasizing the importance of securing the release of hostages held in Gaza. After discussions in Cairo, Netanyahu directed the head of Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency, to head to Qatar on Sunday to “advance a series of initiatives that are on the agenda,” per the prime minister’s office.
US intervention in peace talks
The momentum also includes diplomatic involvement from the United States, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken meeting with Qatari leaders in Doha on Thursday. During his visit, Blinken underscored the urgency of developing a strategy for Israel’s withdrawal that would prevent Hamas from reconstituting while supporting Palestinian civilians in rebuilding their lives. This visit marks Blinken’s eleventh trip to the region since the escalation began last October following Hamas’s attack on Israel.
Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani acknowledged that Qatari mediators had renewed contact with Hamas following Sinwar’s death, hoping this could help resolve the fate of the remaining 97 hostages held in Gaza. An Israeli advocacy group, representing families of the captives, urged both Hamas and Netanyahu to prioritize the release of the detainees, stating, “Time is running out,” echoing fears of escalation if negotiations stall.
Humanitarian crisis in Gaza
Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to intensify. An ongoing Israeli military operation in northern Gaza has resulted in over 770 deaths over the past 19 days, with rescue workers overwhelmed and unable to access all areas due to continued bombardments. Gaza’s civil defense agency reported that a strike on a school used as a shelter killed 17 people in central Gaza, sparking outcry from civilians.
The war has spilled beyond Gaza into Lebanon, where Israeli forces have launched a large-scale campaign against Hezbollah positions, following near-daily skirmishes along Israel’s northern border. A recent strike in Lebanon killed 12 people, including three children, and sparked mass evacuations as Israeli forces targeted Hezbollah strongholds. The nearly month-long campaign has led to at least 1,580 deaths in Lebanon, primarily in areas allied with Hezbollah, according to Lebanese health ministry data.
With mounting pressure on all sides and worsening humanitarian conditions, a ceasefire remains critical. Further diplomatic discussions are expected, with Blinken set to meet with officials from Jordan, the UAE, and Lebanon to discuss both the Gaza conflict and Lebanon’s burgeoning crisis.
