Prime Minister's statement on the Israeli government's plan to intensify military action in Gaza: August 8th, 2025
In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza, a negotiated solution is urgently needed for a brighter future for both Palestinians and Israelis. The current efforts revolve around phased ceasefires with hostage and prisoner exchanges and humanitarian aid access, but face ideological and political deadlocks.
Ceasefire and Hostage/Prisoner Exchange
Initial proposals, drafted by mediators from the US, Egypt, and Qatar and supported by the UN Security Council in 2024, envisioned a three-stage process. This process included a six-week ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, followed by an end to the war, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and a multi-year Gaza reconstruction period.
Though these proposals have led to temporary ceasefires and prisoner exchanges, difficulties remain. Israel's refusal to fully withdraw from strategic areas such as the Philadelphi corridor has been a significant hurdle. Recently, in July 2025, the US and Israel paused ceasefire talks with Hamas, citing a lack of good faith from the organisation. However, Hamas insists on a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and an end to conflict as a prerequisite, rather than phased solutions.
Humanitarian Aid
Humanitarian aid delivery is a critical component of ceasefire proposals. Israel announced a military pause in some Gaza areas to facilitate aid delivery in late July 2025, but the humanitarian situation remains severe with widespread starvation reported. Aid provisions are often tied to ceasefires and prisoner exchanges, aiming to alleviate the current crisis while longer-term political talks continue.
Long-term Political Negotiations
Beyond ceasefires, a broader political framework is necessary to address root conflicts, including governance in Gaza, the status of the West Bank, and undelivered permanent status issues that have persisted since the Oslo Accords in 1993 and subsequent but inconclusive talks. The overarching goal endorsed by the UN and many parties remains the two-State solution: establishing an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel based on pre-1967 borders with security and mutual recognition, including shared Jerusalem as a capital.
Efforts to resume substantive negotiations require addressing historical grievances, governance, borders, and security in a manner that ensures lasting peace beyond temporary ceasefires. The Israeli Government, along with its allies, is working on a long-term plan for a two-state solution to secure peace in the region.
However, without both sides negotiating in good faith, a peaceful resolution to the conflict is vanishing. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening daily, with reports of widespread starvation and inhuman conditions for hostages held by Hamas. The message is clear: both parties must step away from the path of destruction for a diplomatic solution to be possible. Hamas cannot play a part in the future of Gaza.
References:
[1] Al Jazeera, (2025, July 28). Israel-Gaza conflict: Hamas and the US blame each other for ceasefire collapse. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/28/israel-gaza-conflict-hamas-and-the-us-blame-each-other-for-ceasefire-collapse
[2] Middle East Eye, (2025, January 10). Israel refuses to withdraw from Philadelphi corridor in latest ceasefire deal. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israel-refuses-withdraw-philadelphi-corridor-latest-ceasefire-deal
[3] United Nations, (2025, March 15). UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process briefs Security Council on latest developments. https://www.un.org/press/en/2025/sc14076.doc.htm
[4] Haaretz, (2025, August 10). Hamas eager to resume ceasefire negotiations amid ongoing bombardment, sources say. https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/palestinians/.premium-hamas-eager-to-resume-ceasefire-negotiations-amid-ongoing-bombardment-sources-say-1.9520664
- To foster a lasting peace, both Israel and Hamas must prioritize the resumption of long-term political negotiations, addressing fundamental conflicts such as governance in Gaza, the status of the West Bank, and permanent status issues, with the ultimate goal of a two-state solution endorsed by the UN.
- Amidst the ongoing crisis, the delivery of humanitarian aid, often tied to ceasefires and prisoner exchanges, plays a crucial role in alleviating suffering in Gaza, while the broader political framework is being negotiated, but the humanitarian situation remains dire with widespread reports of starvation and inhuman conditions for hostages held by Hamas.
