Israel-Hamas Truce Talks Stall in Doha
The initial round of indirect truce talks between Israel and Hamas concluded without a breakthrough on Monday, July 7, 2025. Palestinian sources close to the negotiations revealed that the Israeli delegation lacked the necessary authority to finalize an agreement with Hamas. The talks, mediated by Qatari and Egyptian officials, lasted approximately three and a half hours, with intermediaries relaying messages between the two sides.
Despite Hamas's earlier "positive" response to a recent U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal, their latest proposed amendments to the draft deal were rejected by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office as "unacceptable to Israel." Netanyahu, currently in Washington for talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, stated that Israeli negotiators have clear directives to secure a ceasefire under Israel's accepted terms, expressing optimism that his discussions with Trump could facilitate progress.
Key disagreements persist, with Hamas demanding guarantees that any initial truce would lead to a complete end to the war and the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. Conversely, Netanyahu has consistently maintained that Israel would resume military operations to dismantle Hamas's military and governmental capabilities, insisting on the group's disarmament. Additional concerns raised by Hamas and its allies include the provision of humanitarian aid, unimpeded passage through the Rafah crossing, and a definitive timeline for Israeli troop withdrawals.
The situation remains highly intricate, as Prime Minister Netanyahu faces increasing domestic pressure to secure a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, a move opposed by hardline elements within his coalition government. Simultaneously, Israeli military operations in Gaza continue, tragically resulting in further casualties, particularly among those attempting to access aid.
