Netanyahu Returns Home Amid Stalled Gaza Truce Talks

Amid ongoing conflict in Gaza, Netanyahu's discussions in the U.S. highlighted unmet demands and deep-rooted tensions with Hamas.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returned to Israel on Friday following a series of discussions in Washington, D.C., aimed at negotiating a truce with Hamas amid the ongoing violence in Gaza. Despite hopeful moments shared with President Trump and other U.S. officials, the meetings yielded no definitive steps towards a cease-fire, with unresolved issues still looming large.

Key points of contention remain, particularly the duration of the truce, the specifics of an Israeli withdrawal from occupied Gaza territories, and logistics concerning the distribution of humanitarian aid once a cease-fire is established. Before departing Washington, Netanyahu expressed ambitions for a two-month truce that would see Hamas release half of the approximately 50 hostages held in Gaza, a mix of living captives and deceased individuals.

However, his remarks underscored persistent barriers to a formal agreement. He reaffirmed that any potential temporary cease-fire would not transition into a permanent peace arrangement without Hamas relinquishing its weapons. Netanyahu outlined the essential conditions for negotiation: the disarmament of Hamas and the complete demilitarization of Gaza to prevent it from continuing its military operations.

Hamas representatives swiftly rejected Netanyahu’s preconditions, making it clear that disarmament would not be entertained as part of any negotiations. Senior Hamas official, Basem Naim, stated in a text message that the issue of arms surrender would “never” be part of their dialogue, leaving the truce discussions precariously unresolved.