In the midst of intensified Israeli military actions against Hamas, which resulted in over 70 casualties reported by the Gaza health ministry, clear communication regarding cease-fire negotiations has become increasingly convoluted. Following significant ongoing pressure from President Trump to bring the hostilities to a close, different factions have relayed contradictory claims regarding progress.
On one hand, Al-Aqsa television, associated with Hamas, announced that the group had accepted a cease-fire proposal directed by Steve Witkoff, the Trump administration's Middle East envoy. However, Witkoff refuted this assertion, branding Hamas’s response as “disappointing and completely unacceptable” in remarks to Axios. Later, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed optimism about the discussions, suggesting that progress might be announced soon, although he later clarified that he had spoken metaphorically, extending blame toward Hamas for the stalemate.
In a rebuttal to Witkoff's comments, Basem Naim, a Hamas spokesperson, reaffirmed that Hamas had indeed agreed to the proposed terms and was now awaiting a response from the Israeli side. As negotiations appear to falter, the humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorates, stressing the urgency for effective diplomatic resolutions amid the continued violence.
