August 4, 2025

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump are currently in advanced negotiations concerning a comprehensive proposal aimed at securing hostage releases and establishing a ceasefire with Hamas. The report, issued by The Jerusalem Post, cites unnamed sources from N12 and suggests a clear ultimatum, demanding Hamas disarmament and the immediate release of all hostages. Should these conditions be met, the United States would spearhead the formation of an international administration in the Gaza Strip. A senior Israeli official commented on the dire situation, noting that testimonies from freed hostages indicate they are being subjected to deliberate starvation, not just as a form of abuse, but also as a method to torment their families and the broader public. In a previous visit to Qatar in May, Trump had suggested that the US should take control over the Gaza Strip, transforming it into a so-called "freedom zone" as a means of addressing the ongoing Hamas issue. "If it's necessary, I think I'd be proud to have the United States take it, make it a freedom zone," he remarked, proposing this idea during a business roundtable. The discussions mark a pivotal moment that could reshape US involvement in the Gaza conflict, depending heavily on Hamas’ reaction to the outlined ultimatum. However, challenges to the feasibility of this proposal emerged when Hamas dismissed reports of any potential agreement to disarm. Al Jazeera reported that the Palestinian faction reaffirmed its "national and legal" right to resist what they perceive as Israeli occupation. Hamas issued a firm rejection of claims that they were willing to disarm, especially in response to statements allegedly made by the US envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, during a meeting with Israeli families of hostages. Witkoff had reportedly indicated that Hamas was ready to undergo demilitarization. Nevertheless, Hamas countered this assertion, asserting that their resistance and weaponry are justified until all Palestinian rights are acknowledged, highlighting the importance of establishing a fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital. This clarification came against the backdrop of an escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Witkoff’s engagement with families on Saturday came just after he visited a Gaza aid distribution site backed by the US and Israeli-supported group, GHF. Hamas criticized this visit as a "staged show" that misrepresented the realities faced by Gaza residents, spotlighting deteriorating humanitarian conditions. The UN has reported more than 1,300 Palestinian fatalities since GHF commenced its operations in Gaza in May, emphasizing the dire circumstances under which these aid distributions are occurring. Amidst international scrutiny regarding GHF’s operations, the Trump administration has continued to show unwavering support, recently pledging $30 million in aid for the organization. The envoy's disarmament statements coincide with escalating international efforts aimed at recognizing a Palestinian state as the humanitarian conditions in Gaza worsen. During a two-day United Nations conference in New York, UK officials hinted they might follow France’s lead and recognize a Palestinian state in September if Israel does not agree to a ceasefire. Foreign Secretary David Lammy underscored that the UK would move towards recognition contingent on specific conditions. Additionally, the UN conference saw collective support from 17 countries, the European Union, and the Arab League for a two-state solution, urging Hamas to not only cease its rule in Gaza but to also transfer its weapons to the Palestinian Authority. This approach is being called for in alignment with objectives aimed at achieving a sovereign and independent Palestinian state.

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Tags: Netanyahu, Trump, Hamas, Gaza, Hostages, Ceasefire, Peace proposal,