Hamas announced on Wednesday that it is reviewing a new ceasefire proposal mediated by Egypt and Qatar, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s declaration that Israel had agreed to “necessary conditions” for a 60-day truce in Gaza. However, Hamas insisted that any agreement must include a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza to end the war.
Trump’s statement, shared on Truth Social, described his meeting with Israeli officials as “long and productive” and said the ceasefire could pave the way for a permanent end to hostilities. While some Gazans expressed cautious optimism about the prospect of temporary relief, many remained skeptical, fearing a repeat of past short-term ceasefires that failed to end the conflict.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, reaffirmed his hardline stance, declaring, “There will not be a Hamas. There will not be a Hamastan. We’re not going back to that. It’s over.” His remarks underscored Israel’s continued aim of eliminating Hamas, with no indication of readiness for a long-term political compromise.
The Israeli government remains divided, with Foreign Minister Gideon Saar urging swift action to secure the release of hostages still held by Hamas, while opposition leader Yair Lapid pledged his party’s support to prevent a government collapse if hardline coalition members oppose a deal.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen. Gaza’s health ministry reported at least 139 Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes over the past 24 hours, including Marwan Al-Sultan, director of the Indonesian Hospital, along with his wife and five children. Israel claimed it targeted a “key terrorist” but said it regretted civilian casualties.
The nearly two-year-long war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas fighters launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Since then, Israel’s military campaign has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, displaced almost the entire population of 2.3 million, and turned over 80% of Gaza into militarized or evacuation zones.
While Hamas is expected to discuss the ceasefire proposal and seek clarifications, Israel continues its military offensives, with Netanyahu’s government facing mounting international and domestic pressure to end the war, despite hardline opposition within his coalition. For Gazans, the hope remains for a complete and lasting end to the war rather than another short-term ceasefire.
