Israeli Officials Hopeful for Gaza Cease-Fire Ahead of Netanyahu-Trump Meeting

As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares for a crucial meeting with President Trump, Israeli officials express cautious optimism over a new cease-fire in Gaza. The ongoing struggle to secure lasting peace faces significant challenges, particularly concerning conditions set by both Israel and Hamas.

Israeli officials projected cautious optimism on Wednesday over the potential for a renewed cease-fire in Gaza and a possible hostage release agreement, coinciding with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s planned meeting with President Trump in Washington next week. However, clarity remains lacking on whether the latest U.S.-backed initiative can resolve the critical issues between Israel and Hamas, particularly regarding the cessation of what has become a protracted 20-month conflict.

The United States was informed by Israeli officials on Tuesday that a “60-day cease-fire with Hamas” could be finalized under specific conditions, as shared on social media by President Trump. This temporary halt in fighting aims to create an opportunity for all parties to negotiate a resolution to the ongoing war, according to the announcement.

This new proposal presents more than the previous efforts from May, introducing broader assurances that mediators, including the U.S., would guarantee continued negotiations throughout the two-month cease-fire period until both parties agree to a definitive end to the conflict, as conveyed by three Israeli sources who spoke on condition of anonymity.

While Hamas has yet to officially respond to this new proposal, some Israeli officials expressed hope that escalated U.S. pressure could impart momentum onto the long-stalled cease-fire discussions. Hamas leadership has asserted that the release of remaining hostages hinges on the cessation of warfare in Gaza, whereas Netanyahu has indicated a willingness for a “temporary cease-fire,” contingent upon Hamas relinquishing control of the territory and sending its leaders into exile—a scenario Hamas leaders have firmly dismissed.

Israeli concessions have reportedly been made with the recent guarantees, though the specifics remain undefined. In previous encounters, Hamas has demanded similar stipulations, which Israeli officials believe might inadvertently convert the intended temporary pause into a permanent cease-fire.

Some analysts suggest that Netanyahu, following a perceived successful military engagement against Iran in June, may be more open to recalibrating his approach to the stalemate. The ongoing conflict has resulted in tragic casualties, with over 56,000 people, inclusive of thousands of children, reported killed according to Gaza’s health ministry, which does not delineate between combatants and civilians. The war reignited following a Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, causing significant Israeli civilian casualties and resultant hostages.

Aaron Boxerman contributes as a Times reporter focusing on developments in Israel and Gaza from Jerusalem, with Ronen Bergman providing insights as a staff writer for The New York Times Magazine based in Tel Aviv.