Israeli Officials Display Cautious Optimism on Potential Gaza Cease-Fire Ahead of Trump Meeting

In anticipation of a crucial meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Trump, Israeli officials signal cautious optimism regarding a potential cease-fire agreement with Hamas. Despite the complexities surrounding the ongoing conflict, recent U.S. mediation efforts may pave the way for renewed talks and a temporary halt to hostilities.

Israeli officials projected cautious optimism on Wednesday regarding a new cease-fire initiative in Gaza, coinciding with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's upcoming meeting with President Trump. The primary challenge remains whether this U.S.-backed endeavor can effectively resolve the central impasse between Israel and Hamas: the prospect of concluding the 20-month conflict.

On Tuesday, Israel communicated to the U.S. its acceptance of “conditions to finalize” a proposed 60-day cease-fire with Hamas. President Trump announced on social media that during this truce, all parties would work towards achieving a comprehensive end to the war.

This renewed approach marks a significant shift from a prior proposal in May, offering more robust guarantees from mediators—chiefly the United States—ensuring that discussions would persist throughout the truce, ultimately leading to a resolution of the conflict.

Hamas has yet to react to this latest proposal, which is intended as the foundation for more detailed negotiations. However, optimism is rising among Israeli officials who believe that this initiative, fueled by increased pressure from Trump, could help revitalize the long-stalled cease-fire discussions.

Hamas has maintained that it will only consider releasing hostages if Israel agrees to cease hostilities in Gaza, while Netanyahu has indicated a willingness for a "temporary cease-fire." Nevertheless, he insists that the war will not end unless Hamas relinquishes its control of Gaza and its leaders are exiled—demands that the Palestinian group firmly rejects.

Israeli concessions have emerged in the form of new guarantees, with officials suggesting that the precise wording might cater to past Hamas demands for similar clauses. Israeli representatives, however, have resisted these, arguing that they would inadvertently convert the temporary cease-fire into a permanent one.

Analysts posit that Netanyahu, who has garnered support from many Israelis for his perceived success in the recent conflict with Iran, might be inclined to alter his strategic stance.

The Gaza Health Ministry reports that the war has claimed over 56,000 lives, including thousands of children, since its onset following an attack from Hamas and its allies on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people, predominantly civilians. Israel reports that more than 250 individuals remain hostage.

Aaron Boxerman is a Times reporter covering Israel and Gaza, based in Jerusalem, and Ronen Bergman contributes as a staff writer for The New York Times Magazine from Tel Aviv.