Efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza are faltering, with Israeli and Palestinian sources citing deep divisions over Israeli troop withdrawals. The U.S.-backed proposal for a 60-day ceasefire is under discussion in Doha, but both sides remain at odds. According to Israeli officials, Hamas is refusing to compromise, while Hamas blames Israel’s demands, particularly its proposed control over 40% of Gaza—including Rafah and parts of the north and east.
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed hope for a breakthrough, but tensions on the ground continue to rise. On Saturday, at least 17 Palestinians were killed near an aid distribution site in Rafah. Witnesses described targeted shooting by Israeli forces, contradicting the Israeli military’s claim that only warning shots were fired. Over the past six weeks, more than 800 civilians have reportedly died trying to access food through a U.S.-backed aid system, which the U.N. has condemned as unsafe and politically compromised.
The war, which began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants killed 1,200 Israelis and abducted 251 hostages, has now claimed over 57,000 Palestinian lives, according to Gaza health officials. Nearly all of Gaza’s population has been displaced, creating a severe humanitarian crisis.
Hamas insists on a full ceasefire and withdrawal before releasing remaining hostages, at least 20 of whom are believed to still be alive. Israel maintains that the war will only end after all hostages are freed and Hamas is dismantled.
In Tel Aviv, thousands of Israelis rallied on Saturday, demanding a deal to free hostages and end the war. Protester Boaz Levi said, “It’s time to bring them home and stop the suffering.”
The standoff continues, with rising calls for stronger U.S. intervention to push for resolution.