Israel Shifts Strategy on Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations

Hamas Accepts Proposal, Israel Remains Silent

Nearly a week after Hamas agreed to the latest ceasefire proposal mediated by Qatar and Egypt, Israel has yet to respond officially. This silence comes despite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s earlier statement that he was ready to begin talks to end the war and secure the release of all hostages.
Analysts say this signals a major shift in Israel’s negotiating strategy.

From Partial Deals to a Comprehensive Agreement

For the past 18 months, Israel accepted several phased ceasefire deals. Now, Netanyahu insists on a full agreement that guarantees the release of all hostages and the complete end of the war under Israeli conditions.
This reversal coincides with plans for a large-scale military offensive on Gaza City, suggesting Israel is pursuing a dual strategy: negotiating while escalating military pressure.

What Does the New Proposal Include?

The latest plan, brokered by Qatar and Egypt, calls for a temporary ceasefire in exchange for Hamas releasing half of the hostages. It is similar to the 60-day truce Israel accepted last month but includes terms more favorable to Tel Aviv after Hamas showed flexibility on prisoner releases and security arrangements.

Israel Builds Military Pressure as Hamas Faces Greater Risk

Netanyahu continues to push for a massive assault on Gaza City, with Israeli officials arguing that Hamas’s recent concessions are the result of credible military threats.
According to Israeli sources, the looming offensive is designed to force Hamas to accept Israel’s conditions for ending the war.

Washington’s Role and the “Green Light” from Trump

Israeli officials believe the shift in strategy is backed by the U.S.
President Donald Trump openly supports Israel’s decision to intensify military operations against Hamas rather than seeking a temporary truce. On Truth Social, Trump wrote:

“Hostages will only return when Hamas is defeated — the sooner, the better!”

U.S. Loses Patience with Negotiations

After the collapse of the last round of talks in Qatar, U.S. officials concluded Hamas was not negotiating in good faith. White House envoy Steve Witkoff accused Hamas of poor coordination and lack of sincerity, adding that the U.S. would pursue alternative options to secure hostages and stabilize Gaza.

Israel’s Conditions for Ending the War

In its latest security cabinet meeting, Israel outlined five conditions for ending the conflict:

Full disarmament of Hamas

Release of all hostages

Demilitarization of Gaza

Continued Israeli security control

Establishment of a new civilian administration unrelated to Hamas or the Palestinian Authority

Hamas has drawn a red line on disarmament, creating a major sticking point in peace efforts.

Domestic Pressures and Political Calculations

Polls show most Israelis would support any deal that brings hostages home. However, Netanyahu’s far-right allies strongly oppose a ceasefire.
Ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich have repeatedly warned that ending the war could collapse the government.
To keep his coalition intact, Netanyahu has designed previous hostage deals in stages, ensuring that military operations continue alongside negotiations.

Families of Hostages Escalate Protests

Families of hostages accuse the government of sacrificing their loved ones for political gain. After organizing some of Israel’s largest anti-war demonstrations, they plan another major rally on August 26.
In response to mounting criticism, Netanyahu’s office announced that Israel will dispatch a negotiating team as soon as a venue is agreed upon.