Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Palestinians inspect a car hit in an Israeli strike on Monday, in Gaza City, July 8, 2025. REUTERS
‘Gaza ceasefire remains possible, but agreement may take time’
TEL AVIV/GAZA – While gaps persist in the ongoing Gaza ceasefire negotiations in Qatar between Israel and Hamas, Israeli officials stated Tuesday that these differences are surmountable, though a final agreement may require more than just a few days to achieve.
Since Sunday, mediators from the US, Qatar, and Egypt have intensified efforts to broker a halt to hostilities in the war-torn region. The new momentum follows the start of indirect talks in Doha and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s departure for Washington, Reuters reported.
On Monday, Netanyahu met with US President Donald Trump, who, just before their meeting, expressed optimism that a ceasefire and hostage-release deal could be reached within the week.
During their meeting—the first since the US struck Iran’s nuclear facilities amid the brief recent conflict between Israel and Iran—Netanyahu informed Trump of his intention to nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize. Netanyahu gave Trump a copy of the letter he said he had sent to the Nobel committee, commending Trump’s efforts toward resolving Middle East conflicts.
According to The Guardian, Trump also remarked during their discussions that he “hoped” the US would not carry out further military action against Iran.
“They want to work something out,” Trump said. “They’re very different now than they were two weeks ago.”
He declined to specify when talks with Iran might continue but assured reporters that more details would be available the next day.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff—who played a key part in shaping the ceasefire proposal—would travel to Doha this week to participate in the discussions.
The proposed ceasefire includes a phased release of hostages, withdrawal of Israeli troops from parts of Gaza, and negotiations aimed at a permanent end to the conflict.
Hamas has consistently demanded a full end to the war before releasing the remaining hostages. In contrast, Israel insists that fighting will continue until all hostages are freed and Hamas is dismantled. Of the approximately 50 remaining hostages in Gaza, at least 20 are believed to be alive.
Palestinian sources stated Monday that significant differences remain, particularly concerning the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Senior Israeli officials briefing reporters in Washington said reaching consensus in Doha could take several more days, though they did not disclose specific sticking points. Another official confirmed that some progress had been made.
Zeev Elkin, an Israeli cabinet minister and member of Netanyahu’s security cabinet, said there was “a substantial chance” a ceasefire would be agreed upon. “Hamas wants to alter a few significant elements—it's not simple, but there is progress,” he told Israel’s public broadcaster Kan on Tuesday.
Since the start of Israel’s campaign in Gaza, more than 57,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to local health authorities. Nearly the entire population of over 2 million has been displaced, the enclave is gripped by a humanitarian crisis, and large swathes of territory lie in ruins.
In Gaza City, children walked among the wreckage, where residents said an Israeli airstrike had struck overnight, resulting in child casualties. The Israeli military did not immediately release details about the target.
“We hope a ceasefire will be reached and the massacres against the Palestinian people will end,” said Mohammed Joundiya, standing amid the ruins following the attack.