As Gaza ceasefire negotiations stall, Israel’s offensive and a worsening humanitarian crisis raise fears of prolonged war. Mediators struggle to bridge deep divides between Israel and Hamas.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas, now entering its 20th month, remains a pressing international crisis. Gaza ceasefire negotiations, spearheaded by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, have produced moments of cautious optimism but no breakthrough. The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with thousands dead and the enclave on the brink of famine. This report explores recent developments, political dynamics, and the prospects of a lasting ceasefire.
Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations: A Shaky Framework and Fragile Progress
The current phase of Gaza ceasefire negotiations builds upon a three-stage plan brokered in January 2025. The first stage briefly succeeded in halting hostilities, facilitating the release of 33 Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals in exchange for around 2,000 Palestinian detainees. Humanitarian aid surged during this pause.
However, progress stalled in March after Israel resumed military operations, citing Hamas’s unwillingness to accept further terms. Since then, diplomatic efforts have been ongoing but inconsistent.
A new U.S.-backed proposal, led by Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, outlines a 60-day truce. It includes the release of 28 Israeli hostages (10 alive, 18 deceased) in exchange for 1,236 Palestinian prisoners and a new flow of humanitarian aid. While Israel accepted the framework, Hamas rejected it, demanding a full and permanent Israeli withdrawal from Gaza—an ultimatum Israeli officials consider non-negotiable.
On June 26, a senior Hamas figure acknowledged that mediators had intensified efforts, but talks remain stalled. U.S. officials insist a deal is close, while Hamas accuses Israel of perpetuating “policies of starvation and destruction.”

Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations: Evacuations and Escalating Conflict
On June 29, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued fresh evacuation orders in northern Gaza, targeting Gaza City and the Jabalia refugee camp. Residents were directed to the so-called “humanitarian area” in Al-Mawasi. These warnings preceded a surge in military operations aimed at dismantling what Israel describes as “terrorist infrastructure.”
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, 86 Palestinians were killed within a 24-hour span, including children struck near Al-Mawasi, which is nominally designated as a safe zone. Since March, Israeli strikes have killed over 56,500 Palestinians—more than half reportedly women and children—while displacing nearly the entire population of 2.3 million.
Healthcare infrastructure is collapsing. Fewer than half of Gaza’s hospitals remain partially operational, and over 4,000 children require urgent medical evacuation, according to the United Nations. The humanitarian blockade has brought Gaza to the verge of famine, with the U.N. warning that the population faces “famine-like conditions.”
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The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation Controversy
In response to the crisis, the United States pledged $30 million to support the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an aid distribution entity launched in May 2025. Jointly supported by U.S. and Israeli interests, the GHF claims to have delivered more than 46 million meals. However, the initiative is mired in controversy.
Operating within Israeli-controlled zones and guarded by private U.S. security contractors, the GHF has been accused of violating humanitarian norms. Major aid agencies, including the U.N. and Doctors Without Borders, have refused to collaborate with it.
Repeated fatalities near GHF distribution points have raised alarm. The U.N.’s Juliette Touma called the operation a “killing field,” citing evidence that people lining up for food are routinely injured or killed. GHF chief Johnnie Moore denies responsibility, attributing the casualties to “proximity issues.”
Critics argue that Israel’s strict screening processes and limited aid corridors are worsening the crisis. Currently, only 56 aid trucks enter Gaza daily—a fraction of what is needed.

Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations: Key Challenges
The path to peace is obstructed by several major hurdles:
- Conflicting Goals: Hamas demands a permanent ceasefire, full Israeli withdrawal, and unhindered aid. Israel insists on Hamas’s total disarmament and dismantling before considering any lasting truce.
- Hostage Dilemma: Of the 251 hostages taken on October 7, 2023, about 50 remain. Less than 20 are believed to be alive. Israel continues military pressure, which critics say could endanger the remaining hostages.
- Domestic Pressures: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces internal divisions. Right-wing coalition partners reject concessions, while hostage families press for a deal. U.S. political messaging has added complexity, with criticism mounting over Washington’s firm support for Israel despite the growing civilian toll.
- Mediator Fatigue: Qatar and Egypt, central to past negotiations, express growing frustration. Hamas accuses them of favoring Israeli interests, while Israeli officials complain of Hamas’s “unrealistic” demands. Trust between parties is low.
- Humanitarian Blockade: Aid restrictions, reportedly coordinated with the U.S., have been condemned by human rights groups. The blockade, intended to apply pressure on Hamas, has instead deepened Gaza’s humanitarian catastrophe.
Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations: Mediator Roles and Global Diplomacy
Qatar and Egypt remain crucial to the indirect negotiations, while U.S. envoys such as Witkoff and Bishara Bahbah have played active roles—particularly in securing the May release of American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander. A recent joint proposal by Egypt and Qatar, aimed at extending the ceasefire’s first phase, was rejected by Hamas due to lack of clarity on the second phase.
Critics argue that the U.S. administration has not exerted enough pressure on Israel to move forward. Some analysts believe that broader regional priorities—such as expanding the Abraham Accords or confronting Iran—have eclipsed focus on Gaza.
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Humanitarian Crisis and Legal Fallout
The numbers paint a grim picture: over 56,500 Palestinian fatalities, mass displacement, and total infrastructure collapse in Gaza. Three out of four hospital patients now need urgent care. Aid delays are costing lives by the hour.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) recently issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes, including the deliberate starvation of civilians. While the U.S. does not recognize ICC jurisdiction, the legal move has sparked international debate.

Ceasefire Hopes Dimming?
Despite statements from Washington claiming a breakthrough is near, ground realities suggest otherwise. Escalating military operations, ongoing hostage uncertainty, and stark political divides make progress difficult.
Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer’s upcoming visit to Washington may be a last-ditch attempt to break the impasse. But unless both sides make meaningful compromises, the Gaza ceasefire negotiations are likely to remain stuck in limbo.
For Gazans trapped in a cycle of bombardment and starvation, diplomatic progress remains an abstract hope. Until a sustainable ceasefire is achieved, survival remains their daily battle.