What's happened
As of July 10, 2025, Israel and Hamas are nearing a US-brokered ceasefire deal in Gaza, potentially within one to two weeks. The proposed 60-day truce includes phased hostage releases and humanitarian aid, but key issues like Hamas disarmament and Israeli troop withdrawal remain unresolved. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu met US President Trump to discuss the deal amid domestic pressures and ongoing violence.
What's behind the headline?
Complex Negotiations Amid High Stakes
The current ceasefire talks represent a rare moment of potential progress after nearly two years of devastating conflict. The US-brokered 60-day truce proposal is a strategic attempt to create a pause in hostilities that could lead to a permanent ceasefire. However, the deal's success hinges on Hamas agreeing to disarmament—a demand Netanyahu insists on but Hamas rejects.
Domestic Pressures Shape Israeli Stance
Netanyahu faces intense pressure from his right-wing coalition, with figures like Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir opposing any truce, viewing it as surrender. Yet, public protests in Israel demanding the release of hostages and an end to the war add urgency to reaching an agreement.
Humanitarian Crisis and Regional Dynamics
Gaza's population suffers from famine-like conditions and relentless bombardment, with aid delivery a critical sticking point. The recent Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and Hezbollah have shifted regional power dynamics, potentially influencing Israel's willingness to negotiate.
US Mediation and Geopolitical Implications
Trump's active role, including meetings with Netanyahu and discussions with Saudi Arabia about expanding the Abraham Accords, signals a broader US strategy to stabilize the region. The proposed ceasefire includes phased hostage releases and humanitarian aid distribution managed by international agencies, aiming to build trust.
Forecast
While a ceasefire within one to two weeks is plausible, the deal's durability depends on resolving core issues: Hamas's disarmament, Israeli troop withdrawal, and guarantees against renewed fighting. Failure to reach consensus will likely lead to resumed military operations, prolonging the humanitarian crisis and regional instability.
What the papers say
The New Arab highlights the tense atmosphere surrounding the talks, noting Netanyahu's office called Hamas's requested changes "unacceptable" despite Hamas's "positive spirit" response to the ceasefire proposal. The New Arab also reports on public protests in Israel demanding the release of hostages, emphasizing the domestic pressure on Netanyahu.
SBS provides insight into the US mediation efforts, quoting a senior Israeli official who said a 60-day ceasefire could lead to a permanent deal requiring Hamas disarmament, with military operations resuming if Hamas refuses. SBS also details Trump's meetings with Netanyahu and the broader regional context, including recent Israeli strikes on Iran.
The Independent, through reporters Bel Trew and Shweta Sharma, offers a detailed account of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the political complexities within Israel's coalition. They report on Hamas's demands for a long-term resolution, humanitarian aid delivery without US or Israeli involvement, and Israeli right-wing opposition to the truce.
Al Jazeera and South China Morning Post provide specifics on the ceasefire framework, including phased hostage releases and aid distribution managed by UN and Palestinian agencies. They also note ongoing violence and the fragile nature of the negotiations.
Together, these sources paint a picture of cautious optimism tempered by deep-seated political and military challenges, underscoring the fragile nature of the ceasefire talks and the high stakes for all parties involved.
How we got here
The Gaza conflict began in October 2023 when Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing around 1,200 and taking 251 hostages. Israel's retaliatory war has killed over 57,000 Palestinians and devastated Gaza. Previous ceasefires collapsed, with negotiations stalling over demands for a permanent truce and disarmament of Hamas. US President Trump has actively mediated talks, proposing a 60-day ceasefire to pave the way for a lasting peace.
Go deeper
- What are the main sticking points in the ceasefire negotiations?
- How is the US involved in mediating the Gaza conflict?
- What impact does the ceasefire have on civilians in Gaza and Israel?
Common question
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What is the Current Status of Ceasefire Talks in Gaza?
As the conflict in Gaza continues to escalate, ceasefire talks are a focal point of international attention. Recent developments indicate a complex negotiation landscape, with various parties involved and significant humanitarian concerns at play. This page explores the latest updates, key demands from Hamas, and the role of the US in these discussions.
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What are the latest developments in the Gaza ceasefire talks?
As the Gaza conflict continues, ceasefire talks are intensifying with significant involvement from international leaders. The situation is fluid, and many are eager to understand the latest updates and implications of these negotiations. Below are some common questions regarding the ongoing ceasefire efforts and their potential impact.
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Are Israel and Hamas close to a ceasefire in Gaza?
Recent developments suggest that Israel and Hamas are making progress toward a ceasefire in Gaza, potentially within the next week or two. While talks are advancing, key issues like disarmament and troop withdrawals remain unresolved. Many are wondering what this means for regional stability and the future of peace efforts. Below, we explore the latest updates and answer common questions about the ongoing negotiations.
More on these topics
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
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Gaza most commonly refers to:
Gaza Strip, a Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea
Gaza City, a city in the Gaza Strip
Gaza may also refer to:
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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Qatar, officially the State of Qatar, is a country located in Western Asia, occupying the small Qatar Peninsula on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula.