Hamas signals readiness for a Gaza deal, but conditions cloud path forward
On the second anniversary of Hamas’s deadly war-triggering attack, the group reiterated its willingness to reach a deal to end the Gaza conflict, while making clear that any accord must meet its core guarantees. In Sharm El-Sheikh, Hamas officials stated they were ready to engage in serious negotiations based on a framework associated with Donald Trump’s plan, even as they pressed for guarantees and a permanent ceasefire.
New momentum amid a high-stakes mediating effort
The gathering in the Egyptian resort marks a rare moment of visible momentum in indirect talks between Hamas and Israel, with senior mediators including U.S. envoy representatives moving between parties. Qatar’s prime minister joined the discussions, signaling a potent mix of regional influence and international diplomacy aimed at shaping a ceasefire and hostage-release framework.
Hamas’s stated terms
A top Hamas official outlined the group’s conditions, pressing for an end to the war and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, as a prerequisite to broader reconstruction talks. Fawzi Barhoum, a senior Hamas spokesman, stressed that the negotiating delegation seeks to overcome obstacles to an agreement that reflects Gaza’s aspirations. The group has long insisted on a comprehensive, permanent ceasefire and a full Israeli pullback, with reconstruction supervised by a Palestinian technocratic body.
Behind the surface optimism lies a fundamental gap: Hamas’s demand for security guarantees and a guarantee that the war cannot be reignited, alongside the insistence on Israeli withdrawal and a clear path to rebuilding Gaza. Israel, in contrast, has sought disarmament of Hamas and a reformulation of governance in the enclave, while Western backers weigh the implications of any reconstruction plan.
Family pain and hostage politics on a somber anniversary
As negotiators gather, victims’ families on both sides mark the anniversary with grief and cautious hope. In Israel, relatives of those killed or abducted described enduring pain and the longing for the return of hostages. In Gaza, residents endured a staggering humanitarian toll over two years of conflict, raising questions about governance, reconstruction, and accountability in any future arrangement.
What lies ahead for the talks
Analysts caution that even with a potential breakthrough, major questions will persist: who will govern Gaza, who will oversee reconstruction, and how to finance a rebuilt enclave. While U.S. officials have signaled a preference to first halt the fighting and outline hostage-prison exchanges, the path to a durable peace remains complex and contingent on mutual concessions.
External voices and regional dynamics
Observers note the involvement of regional powers and international mediators could tilt the talks. Turkey’s security leadership and other regional actors are participating or observing, underscoring the broader regional stakes of a Gaza agreement that could alter the balance of power in the Middle East.
Outlook and cautions
Trump has suggested optimism about progress, though experts warn that his approach—emphasizing a broad ceasefire while balancing pressure on Israel—may produce a fragile settlement if one side feels compelled to concede more than the other. As negotiations unfold, stakeholders emphasize the need for reliable enforcement, durable security arrangements, and a credible plan to rebuild Gaza without repeating past mistakes.
Conclusion
With Hamas insisting on guarantees and a truthful end to the war, any eventual deal will have to bridge deep-seated differences about governance, security, and reconstruction. The coming days of talks in Sharm El-Sheikh will test whether negotiators can translate cautious optimism into a concrete, lasting ceasefire and a path to rehabilitation for Gaza.
