Optimism Surrounds Potential Gaza Cease-Fire Ahead of Netanyahu-Trump Meeting

Israeli leaders show cautious optimism regarding a potential cease-fire and hostage negotiation with Hamas. However, the path to lasting peace is fraught with challenges, including Hamas's insistence on ending hostilities and Israel’s conditions for a truce. The outcome may hinge on key discussions in the upcoming U.S. meeting between Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump.

Israeli officials projected cautious optimism on Wednesday over the potential for a new cease-fire in Gaza, in light of an upcoming meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Trump next week in Washington. The core concern remains whether the latest U.S.-backed initiative can effectively tackle the deeply rooted issues dividing Israel and Hamas, particularly regarding the prolongation of their ongoing conflict lasting 20 months.

On Tuesday, Israel communicated to the U.S. its agreement to conditions that could lead to a 60-day cease-fire with Hamas, as noted by President Trump on social media. During this truce, all parties would attempt to leverage the breathing space to work towards a resolution of the war. This new initiative offers broader guarantees compared to a previous proposal made in May, promising that mediators, including the U.S., would ensure continued discussions throughout the duration of the cease-fire.

While Hamas has yet to publicly respond to this proposal, optimism abounds among some Israeli officials, who hope that these new efforts might revitalize the stagnant cease-fire discussions. The impetus for these negotiations has notably increased due to President Trump's pressure to secure an agreement.

Hamas's leadership has made it clear that they will only consider releasing hostages once Israel agrees to terminate hostilities. Netanyahu has indicated willingness for temporary cessation but firmly states that he will not conclude the conflict unless Hamas relinquishes control of Gaza and its leaders accept exile—a condition Hamas has categorically rejected.

Israeli concessions have increased with the inclusion of guarantees that could potentially lead to a more enduring peace framework. Although the exact phrasing of these conditions remains ambiguous, past demands by Hamas for similar assurances have been met with resistance from Israeli officials, who worry that this could inadvertently transform a temporary truce into a permanent solution.

Some analysts believe that Netanyahu, who has recently garnered domestic support following what has been perceived as a successful response to Iranian threats, may be motivated to adjust his approach. According to the Gaza health ministry, the ongoing war has resulted in over 56,000 fatalities, including many children, thus highlighting the dire humanitarian situation. The conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, following Hamas's attack on Israel, which claimed 1,200 lives, predominantly civilians, while more than 250 individuals remain hostages, as reported by Israel.

Aaron Boxerman is a Times reporter covering Israel and Gaza, based in Jerusalem. Ronen Bergman is a contributing writer for The New York Times Magazine, operating out of Tel Aviv.