Netanyahu affirmatively states that there will be no further Hamas engagements, with rumors circulating about casualties.
The ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and the Islamist organization Hamas are at a critical stage, with both sides grappling with key issues that could make or break a potential agreement.
Former US President Donald Trump announced on July 2, 2025, that Israel has agreed to the "necessary conditions" for a 60-day limited ceasefire in the Gaza conflict. The negotiations, being mediated by the USA, Egypt, and Qatar, are expected to reach a final proposal soon. However, it remains unclear whether Hamas will accept this latest proposal, as no public comment has been made by either side, and past ceasefire efforts have repeatedly stalled due to fundamental disagreements.
The proposed conditions for the ceasefire include a 60-day period during which Israel and Hamas would negotiate a permanent end to the war and a roadmap for governing Gaza post-conflict. For Israel, any long-term ceasefire must involve the removal of Hamas from power, dismantling its military wing, and the exile of its senior commanders. Israel wishes Gaza to be administered by local Palestinian officials unaffiliated with Hamas or the Palestinian Authority, with involvement from Arab states such as Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia.
Hamas, on the other hand, demands a firm U.S. commitment that the 60-day ceasefire will lead to a permanent end to the war, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Past ceasefire offers from Hamas have included releasing all hostages in exchange for a full Israeli withdrawal, while Israel has insisted on only a temporary agreement for the release of a limited number of hostages.
The war was triggered by the attack by Hamas and other Islamic terrorist organizations on Israel on October 7, 2023. The conflict has resulted in the death of more than 57,000 Palestinians in Gaza since its start nearly 21 months ago.
In a concerning development, an airstrike in Khan Yunis reportedly hit a tent housing internally displaced people, killing the director of the Indonesian Hospital and his family, according to the Hamas-controlled health authority. The Israeli army is currently conducting an offensive in the Khan Yunis area and has discovered and destroyed a tunnel approximately 2.5 kilometers long and around 39 meters deep.
Israeli officials have warned that if ceasefire talks and hostage negotiations do not progress, military operations in Gaza will escalate further, including potential expanded ground offensives in Gaza City and central camps. The release of hostages and the return of bodies will be staggered, with five groups over a period of 60 days.
As the negotiations continue, both sides face pressure to find a peaceful solution that ensures the safety and security of all parties involved. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and urging both sides to seize this opportunity for a lasting peace.
- The ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas are broader topics of discussion in general news and politics, as they involve war-and-conflicts in the Middle East and international diplomatic efforts.
- The proposed conditions for the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas are not only about a temporary truce, but also include politics and policy decisions regarding the future governance of Gaza and the relationship between Israel and Hamas.
