Hamas open to a Gaza ceasefire deal, but with guarantees
As indirect negotiations unfold in Sharm el-Sheikh, Hamas has said it is prepared to reach a deal to end the Gaza war based on Donald Trump’s plan, while outlining hard conditions. The remarks come on the second anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks that reshaped the conflict and sparked ongoing humanitarian devastation in Gaza. A U.S. delegation including special envoy Steve Witkoff and former adviser Jared Kushner has joined the mediation efforts, signaling Washington’s continued involvement in the diplomacy surrounding the conflict.
Hamas spokespersons frames the talks as serious and responsible negotiations, with senior Hamas official Fawzi Barhoum saying the movement aims to overcome obstacles that stand in the way of an agreement that reflects the aspirations of people in Gaza. The group insists that any deal must include an end to the war, a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and guarantees that such an agreement will not be reversed or repeated. These conditions underscore the central sticking points that have stalled negotiations for years: sovereignty, security, and the broader political arrangement for Gaza’s future.
What Hamas wants and what Israel seeks in any deal
Hamas’ demand for a permanent, comprehensive ceasefire paired with an Israeli withdrawal differs from what Israel envisions. Israel has long insisted that Hamas disarm and is wary of any arrangement that might allow the group a role in Gaza’s governance or reconstruction. To move toward a sustainable ceasefire, negotiators have floated focusing first on halting hostilities and addressing practical issues like hostage releases and prisoner swaps, rather than a sweeping political settlement from the outset.
Hostages, reconstruction, and governance
The talks touch on a thorny trio: the fate of hostages held in Gaza, the logistics and funding for rebuilding a shattered Gaza, and who will ultimately govern the enclave post-conflict. Western and regional mediators have repeatedly warned that even a ceasefire does not automatically resolve these complex questions. The question of governance looms large: without a credible blueprint for Gaza’s political and economic future, reconstruction funds risk being politicized or misallocated.
International actors and the shifting dynamics
In addition to the U.S. effort, Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani is joining the talks, signaling broad regional involvement. Turkey’s intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin is also participating in the negotiations in Sharm el-Sheikh. Analysts warn that while high-level engagement can create momentum, it does not guarantee a breakthrough, given deep-seated grievances and entrenched positions on both sides.
Analysts’ take and the potential for a breakthrough
Experts caution that even a potential deal could stall over guarantees and enforcement mechanisms. Ryan Bohl, a Middle East analyst, notes that U.S. leverage over Israel is complex, and any ceasefire may require concessions from all sides. “One side or the other is going to have to give up something significant to end this war,” he says, highlighting the fragile, trade-off nature of any settlement.
Impact on civilians and the humanitarian outlook
Two years into the Gaza war, civilians on both sides continue to bear the brunt of the conflict. In Gaza, tens of thousands of lives have been lost, and infrastructure has been decimated, with ongoing casualties amid renewed violence. In Israel, the memory of October 7 persists in the national psyche, fueling urgency for a resolution, but concerns remain about security and the risks of renewed fighting should talks falter.
What to watch next
Observers are watching for concrete milestones: a framework agreement, a timeline for hostages’ release, and a credible plan for Gaza’s reconstruction funded and supervised by a credible Palestinian-led body. While optimism persists among some participants, skepticism remains, given the history of cycles of negotiation and conflict. The coming days will indicate whether Sharm el-Sheikh can avert further catastrophe or whether the cycle of distrust will persist.
