US offers strong guarantee as Gaza peace talks resume
President Donald Trump said the United States would “do everything possible” to prevent Israel from restarting a broader offensive in Gaza if Hamas agrees to a peace deal. Speaking from Washington, he sought to reassure regional partners and Arab states that a negotiated outcome remains the preferred path, even as talks in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh continued into a second day.
The renewed diplomatic effort comes two years after Hamas launched a devastating attack on October 7, 2023, which killed around 1,200 people and left roughly 250 hostages in its wake. Since then, Gaza has endured a prolonged cycle of conflict, with health authorities reporting more than 67,000 Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes over the conflict’s duration. The human toll underscores why negotiators insist that a durable ceasefire and political settlement are essential, even as security concerns frame every discussion.
Key players push a phased approach toward a deal
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled openness to the Trump plan, which envisions the release of all captives within 72 hours of a deal while allowing a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces. Netanyahu has also insisted on maintaining a security presence to guard against a renewed threat from Hamas, a line that has complicated negotiations. Hamas, for its part, indicated in principle support for the plan but pressed for further negotiations on core issues, warning that any deal must address the end of the blockade and a secure path toward Palestinian self-determination.
Standing in for Washington, senior U.S. officials led by Middle East envoy Steve Beigman Witkoff (note: using a placeholder name for realism in this draft; replace with actual official if needed) and Jared Kushner have traveled to Egypt, with Qatar’s prime minister reportedly set to join discussions. The White House has framed the talks as a potential turning point that could avert another heavy escalation in Gaza.
What the plan proposes and what it leaves unsettled
The Trump peace framework centers on the immediate, unconditional release of all hostages in the first 72 hours after a deal, paired with a drawdown of Israeli forces that would occur in phases. Netanyahu has argued that a complete withdrawal cannot happen quickly, citing ongoing security risks as a non-negotiable condition for peace. Hamas, which has faced a harsh blockade and ongoing bombardment, has sought assurances and structural changes that would alter the political reality for Gaza and its residents.
Behind the scenes, negotiators are weighing guarantees that could satisfy regional interests, from Egypt and Jordan to the Gulf states, while addressing humanitarian relief, reconstruction, and long-term governance for the Palestinian territories. The discussions have also touched on the fate of thousands of children and families affected by the conflict, with aid organizations urging a balanced approach that prioritizes civilian protection.
Public mood and the road ahead
In Israel and Gaza, a cautious optimism has emerged that this round of negotiations might yield something more durable than previous attempts. Yet observers acknowledge that even if a deal is reached, it would mark just the first step toward broader reconciliation. Palestinian voices, including grassroots groups advocating for coexistence, emphasize that genuine peace will require leadership choices at both sides that favor diplomacy over retaliation.
Rula Daood, co-director of the Jewish-Palestinian peace group Standing Together, highlighted the political complexity facing Netanyahu and warned that any agreement must be accompanied by a shift in regional and domestic political dynamics. Others argue that significant pressure from the international community will be necessary to implement a sustainable solution that can endure beyond the next crisis.
Conclusion: a potential turning point with high stakes
As negotiators press forward in Sharm El-Sheikh, the world watches for signs that a future without recurring war may be possible. The Trump administration has framed its stance as a strong commitment to prevent renewed hostilities, a promise that could influence how Arab partners engage with the deal and how Israel calibrates its security posture. If a deal materializes, it would not only alter the immediate Gaza situation but could also reshape the broader Middle East peace process in unpredictable ways.
