Despite the 12-day war with Iran, negotiations for a hostage release and a Gaza ceasefire never ceased and have now intensified, particularly from the US side.
President Donald Trump said over the weekend that all efforts are now focused on ending the war and securing the hostages' return, as part of a broader aim to expand the Abraham Accords. Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, who oversees ties with the US and is in charge of the negotiations, is expected to leave for the US on Sunday night. He is scheduled to meet with members of Trump's team and envoy Steve Witkoff, with the immediate goal of achieving a ceasefire in Gaza. Dermer has also discussed a potential visit by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Washington, which would materialize if significant progress is made in the talks.
The central sticking point remains Hamas' refusal to accept the war-ending conditions: disarmament and the exile of its senior leadership. The current proposal on the table postpones these contentious issues to later stages of negotiations. It offers Hamas guarantees for a full end to the war, even if talks are not concluded after 60 days. The plan awaits agreement from both sides.
Israel is believed to have accepted most of the proposal, but Hamas has not. An Arab source involved in the negotiations told Israel Hayom that the war with Iran had influenced the talks. According to this source, Hamas received messages from mediators stating that with the war against Iran now over, if no deal is reached in Gaza, Israel will unleash its full military power against Hamas, unimpeded by US or other restrictions. The message was blunt: if Hamas wishes to preserve any part of its organization, now lacking virtually all external backing, it must act even if the price is high for Israelis - who are reportedly prepared to bear it.
Hostage releases in initial phase
According to three sources familiar with the details, the proposal includes a 60-day ceasefire during which 10 living hostages and around 15 bodies would be released. Most of these releases would occur in the early days of the truce, though there is debate over the timing of the remaining releases. In exchange, Palestinian terrorists would be freed from Israeli prisons, based on criteria used in past deals. Hamas would be required to provide full details on the remaining hostages, and ensure medical care and food. Israel is demanding that the Red Cross be granted access and provide medical assistance.
At the same time, humanitarian supplies would continue and increase in Hamas-controlled areas. Israel is insisting on international oversight to prevent Hamas from diverting aid, though this demand is seen as unfeasible. Aid through the GHF centers would also continue. The plan includes a partial and gradual Israeli withdrawal, contingent on progress in the final-status negotiations.
The US would provide guarantees, including a commitment from Trump himself to continue the ceasefire and talks after 60 days, even if no deal is finalized. A recent addition to the plan is that hostage releases would also continue as long as negotiations are ongoing.
Proposals for the more complex second phase, ending the war, are also on the table. Each version envisions a multinational force including American and Arab troops, assuming security and policing responsibilities in Gaza. The main obstacle is not the identity of these forces, but the refusal of all parties to deploy them while Hamas remains armed.
A Saudi source said two months ago that even a single Kalashnikov in Hamas hands would be used against any incoming force. One proposed solution involves a gradual deployment, neighborhood by neighborhood, where local clans and terrorist operatives would hand over weapons for safekeeping.
Egypt offered to facilitate this process on its soil, but Hamas and its partners rejected the idea. There is also no agreed solution to the tunnel issue, as Hamas still refuses to discuss surrendering maps of its tunnel networks and heavy weaponry, including rockets, mortars, and explosives.
The various proposals are currently with the parties involved. Progress will hinge on a decision to convene Israeli and Hamas delegations in Cairo or Doha - especially if Trump envoy Steve Witkoff joins the talks.
