Israel has concluded a high-level security meeting amid ongoing negotiations for a possible ceasefire deal with Hamas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with top security officials and cabinet members to discuss the latest developments in the truce framework. Following the meeting, Netanyahu’s office issued a statement rejecting proposed amendments to the deal submitted by Hamas, labeling them as unacceptable.
Despite the rejection, Israel has indicated it will continue to pursue momentum in the ceasefire negotiations. The Israeli delegation is scheduled to travel to Doha for further discussions, coinciding with Netanyahu’s planned visit to Washington, DC, for a meeting with the US president. Both moves suggest that Israel is looking to engage key international partners while maintaining a firm stance on its core demands.
Meanwhile, Hamas has expressed general approval of the framework for the deal but is pushing for three significant amendments. First, the group wants immediate talks on ending the war, rather than waiting for the proposed 60-day pause in fighting to conclude. Hamas views this as crucial for establishing long-term peace and ensuring that a temporary ceasefire leads to a broader resolution.
Secondly, Hamas is demanding that humanitarian aid distribution return to pre-existing channels. This would remove the recently established Gaza Humanitarian Foundation from the process, which Hamas likely sees as politically compromised or insufficiently independent. The group argues that aid delivery must be neutral and efficient, particularly as civilians in Gaza continue to face dire conditions.
Finally, Hamas has raised objections regarding the presence and movement of Israeli forces within Gaza as part of the deal. The group is reportedly seeking specific restrictions or guarantees concerning Israeli military deployment in the territory during the truce period. They consider this a vital security matter, especially in protecting civilians and ensuring the integrity of any agreement.
Israeli officials have firmly opposed these proposed changes. They argue that immediate discussions on permanently ending the war would undermine their security objectives and that Hamas’s demands could create loopholes or weaken enforcement mechanisms in the deal. The Israeli government insists that any temporary pause must be structured in a way that preserves its strategic leverage and does not compromise its military goals.
Nevertheless, both sides appear to be navigating the delicate balance between firm political positions and the broader objective of reducing hostilities. The upcoming diplomatic efforts in Doha and Washington may be pivotal in determining whether the ceasefire plan can be salvaged or whether the current impasse will escalate into further conflict.
As the situation continues to evolve, pressure is mounting from international stakeholders who are urging both parties to show flexibility. The humanitarian toll in Gaza, combined with growing domestic unrest in Israel and calls for the release of captives, has added urgency to the negotiations. Whether a breakthrough is possible in the coming days remains uncertain, but the groundwork for continued dialogue is still in motion.
