Trump welcomes Netanyahu for discussions on a potential Gaza agreement
The ongoing peace talks between Israel and Hamas are in an advanced stage, with the United States playing a pivotal role in brokering a deal. The focus of the negotiations is centered around a US-brokered proposal, which includes a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages.
Following a meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump on July 7, 2025, Israeli officials indicated that 80-90% of the terms for a deal have been settled. However, the remaining core issues, such as the release of hostages and ceasefire conditions, are proving to be challenging.
Hamas has agreed to release 10 hostages as part of the ceasefire talks, a significant concession considering that 49 hostages remain held, including some reported dead. However, Hamas also emphasized that key hurdles remain, such as the free flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, Israeli military withdrawal from the territory, and “real guarantees” for a lasting peace.
The US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism that an agreement for a 60-day truce would likely be finalized before the end of the week. Despite this optimism, Hamas's response to the Qatari proposal was described as "essentially no," indicating some resistance, though the gaps in demands are reportedly small enough to continue negotiations.
Israel and the United States are coordinating closely on the talks, with high-level engagement signaling a strong diplomatic push to reach a breakthrough. Trump has strongly backed Israel and lent US support in Israel's recent war by bombing Iran's key nuclear facilities. He is hoping to capitalize on the momentum from a recent truce between Israel and Iran.
The war has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with at least 57,523 people killed, mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry. The war has created dire humanitarian conditions for over two million people in the Gaza Strip. On Monday, at least 12 people were killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including six in a clinic housing people displaced by the war.
Netanyahu ruled out a full Palestinian state, stating that Israel will always keep security control over the Gaza Strip. The group Hamas has certain conditions for Israel's withdrawal, including guarantees against a resumption of fighting during negotiations and the return of the UN-led aid distribution system.
Netanyahu nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, acknowledging the US President's efforts in facilitating the peace talks. Monday's talks ended with "no breakthrough," according to a Palestinian official familiar with the negotiations. The Hamas and Israeli delegations are due to resume talks later.
[1] "Israel-Hamas peace talks: What's the latest?" BBC News, 10 July 2025, www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-57932802 [2] "Israel-Hamas talks: US envoy optimistic over truce deal" Al Jazeera, 10 July 2025, www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/10/israel-hamas-talks-us-envoy-optimistic-over-truce-deal [3] "Israel-Hamas talks: What's at stake?" CNN, 10 July 2025, www.cnn.com/2025/07/10/middleeast/israel-hamas-talks-what-stake-intl/index.html
- The negotiations between Israel and Hamas in the middle east are still ongoing, with the United States playing a crucial role as a mediator.
- The proposed agreement includes a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages, although Hamas has emphasized that other key hurdles remain, such as the free flow of humanitarian aid, Israeli military withdrawal, and "real guarantees" for a lasting peace.
- The war-and-conflicts in the region have resulted in a significant health crisis in Gaza, with at least 57,523 people killed, mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry.
- Despite the challenges, the political climate for a peace deal seems promising, with Israel and the United States coordinating closely and Trump nominating himself for the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in facilitating the talks.
