U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday expressed hope that the ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas would soon lead to progress. Speaking to reporters, he said, “We are talking and hopefully we’re going to get that straightened out over the next week.” His comments signaled cautious optimism about a breakthrough in one of the world’s most complex and violent conflicts.
The United States is currently supporting a plan that includes a 60-day ceasefire, during which hostages would be released in phases, Israeli troops would pull back from certain areas in Gaza, and further diplomatic efforts would aim to permanently end the war.
US Envoy Expresses Optimism as Talks Continue
Trump’s special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, also shared a hopeful outlook on the peace efforts. Speaking to reporters in Teterboro, New Jersey, Witkoff said he intends to meet with senior Qatari officials during the FIFA Club World Cup final, suggesting Qatar’s key role as a mediator in the talks.
However, despite this optimism, the pace of negotiations has remained slow. Disagreements between Israel and Hamas—particularly on military withdrawals—have continued to delay progress.
Sticking Points Between Israel and Hamas
An Israeli official confirmed that talks are ongoing, but blamed Hamas for the delays, calling the group “stubborn” and accusing it of rejecting offers that could lead to a truce. On the other hand, Hamas has pushed back, accusing Israel of putting forward demands it considers unreasonable.
According to Reuters, Hamas has rejected proposals that would allow Israel to maintain control over about 40% of Gaza, including Rafah in the south and areas in the north and east. Hamas insists that Israel must return to positions established under a previous ceasefire agreement, which existed before violence escalated in March.
The militant group has also said it will only release the remaining hostages if a clear and permanent end to the conflict is guaranteed.
Israel Demands Total Dismantling of Hamas
In contrast, Israel maintains that military action will not stop until all hostages are released and Hamas is eliminated—not only as a military threat but also as a governing power in Gaza.
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages into Gaza. Currently, around 50 hostages are believed to remain in captivity, with at least 20 still thought to be alive.
Toll on Gaza: Thousands Dead and Millions Displaced
Since the start of the conflict, Israeli military operations have killed over 57,000 Palestinians, according to health officials in Gaza. The violence has forced nearly all of Gaza’s 2 million residents to flee their homes, creating a deepening humanitarian crisis with widespread shortages of food, shelter, and medical supplies.
