Hamas insists on demilitarization only after establishment of a Palestinian nation state
Negotiations between Israel and Hamas over the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages have hit a deadlock, as of early August 2025. Mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, ceasefire talks have stalled, with tensions remaining high.
According to reports, at least 20 of the hostages are still alive, as confirmed by the Forum of Hostage Relatives. However, no breakthrough has been achieved on the demilitarization or hostage release front, and the conflict dynamics continue to hinder progress on ceasefire talks and humanitarian access.
The United States and Israel are reportedly in agreement that a framework for the release of all hostages, the disarmament of Hamas, and the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip is necessary. Yet, no final decision has been made. Hamas, on the other hand, has not made a final decision regarding a 60-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of ten live hostages.
More than 60,000 people have been killed in the blockaded coastal area of the Gaza Strip, according to figures from the Hamas-controlled health authority. These figures do not differentiate between civilians and fighters. The Israeli government allows humanitarian aid for the residents of the Gaza Strip, but Hamas terrorists are accused of deliberately starving the hostages, as alleged by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In a recent development, a large protest demanding a deal for the release of all hostages took place at Hostages Square. The protest was attended by 60,000 people who called for an end to the 666-day hostage situation. Several Arab states, including Egypt and Qatar, have called for an end to Hamas' rule in the Gaza Strip and for Hamas to hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority with international engagement and support.
US President Donald Trump aims for a comprehensive deal that ends the war and returns all remaining hostages at once, according to US news site Axios and Israeli media. However, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu faces internal debate about expanding military action or reoccupying Gaza, which could exacerbate risks to hostages and Palestinians and further complicate negotiations.
In a meeting in Tel Aviv with relatives of the hostages, US special envoy Steve Witkoff reportedly stated that Hamas was ready for demilitarization. However, Hamas' statement referred to the right of an occupied people to possess weapons and resist. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul warned Israel against annexing the West Bank.
A Hamas propaganda video shows the emaciated 24-year-old Evjatar David digging his "own grave" in a narrow tunnel in Gaza. The Israeli air defense intercepted a rocket launched from southern Gaza overnight.
Despite the ongoing stalemate, the international community continues to call for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, with a focus on the immediate release of hostages and the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip. The future of the region hangs in the balance, as both sides dig in their heels and the humanitarian crisis deepens.
War-and-conflicts continue to plague the Gaza Strip, with the United States and Israel seeking a comprehensive deal for the release of all hostages and the demilitarization of the region. Meanwhile, politics play a significant role in the ongoing deadlock, as Hamas has yet to make a final decision regarding a ceasefire in exchange for the release of ten hostages. General-news outlets report that tensions remain high and the humanitarian crisis worsens as both sides dig in their heels.
