GAZA/DOHA: The fragile progress in the ongoing Hamas Israel ceasefire talks 2025 appears to have hit a roadblock as Hamas declared it will not accept any interim truce unless there is a clear pathway toward a permanent ceasefire and a comprehensive agreement to end the war in Gaza.
In a televised speech on Friday, Hamas spokesperson Abu Ubaida reiterated the group’s position, warning that if the current negotiations fail, the organization may abandon all interim proposals, including the release of hostages.
“If the enemy remains obstinate and evades this round as it has done every time before, we cannot guarantee a return to partial deals or the proposal of the 10 captives,” said Abu Ubaida.
Talks Enter Critical Phase as Mediators Push for 60-Day Truce
The U.S.-backed proposal, currently under discussion in Qatar and Egypt, involves a 60-day truce, the release of 10 hostages, and the return of the bodies of 18 others held in Gaza. In return, Israel would release several Palestinian detainees and agree to limited military withdrawals from select parts of Gaza.
The negotiations have now extended into their 11th day, but according to two Hamas officials speaking to Reuters, no breakthrough has been achieved. Major sticking points include:
- Disputes over Israeli army withdrawal maps
- Mechanisms for aid delivery into Gaza
- Guarantees for a permanent cessation of hostilities
Hamas insists that any deal must pave the way to end the war, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to demand that Hamas must be disarmed and its leadership expelled from Gaza before hostilities can end.
As ceasefire talks stall in Gaza, progress has been observed elsewhere as Israel and Syria agreed to a ceasefire following deadly clashes in Sweida.
Israel Responds: No Commitment Yet From Hamas
Israeli officials did not respond immediately to Hamas’s latest statements, possibly due to the Jewish Sabbath. However, Netanyahu’s office released a statement following a call with Pope Leo, asserting that Israel has made genuine efforts to reach an agreement.
“Israel has demonstrated willingness for a ceasefire and hostage release deal, but these have not been reciprocated by Hamas,” the statement read.
Human Cost Continues to Mount
The war, now in its ninth month, has resulted in staggering casualties. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, more than 58,600 Palestinians have been killed since the beginning of the Israeli campaign.
On the Israeli side, the conflict has claimed the lives of nearly 1,650 people, including 1,200 civilians and security personnel killed in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on southern Israel.
Humanitarian agencies continue to call for unrestricted aid access, as conditions in northern and central Gaza deteriorate rapidly. Thousands of civilians remain trapped without water, food, or medical supplies.
Next Steps: Diplomacy or Deadlock?
The Hamas Israel ceasefire talks 2025 are viewed as critical by regional and international observers. While Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. remain optimistic, analysts caution that time is running out.
With both parties firm on their demands—Hamas seeking a full ceasefire and Israel pushing for total military objectives—diplomatic efforts may face collapse unless compromise language is introduced into the negotiation framework.
