Israel dismissed Hamas’ suggested alterations to a proposed ceasefire in Gaza but has consented to ongoing indirect negotiations in Doha, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on Saturday. The announcement was reported through Israeli media channels. Israel plans to send a negotiating team to Qatar on Sunday to engage in discussions with the Palestinian militant group. Last week, U.S.
President Donald Trump introduced what he termed a “final proposal” for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, anticipating positive feedback from both parties within a few hours. Hamas conveyed a willingness to negotiate on Friday, expressing readiness to engage in discussions to activate the ceasefire terms. Nevertheless, the group proposed several modifications. A source close to the mediation process stated that Hamas is pushing for dialogues on a permanent truce to persist during the 60-day pause, reinstatement of UN aid over the US- and Israel-supported Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, and the retraction of Israeli forces to their positions prior to March.
Netanyahu’s office declared the proposed amendments from Hamas as unacceptable, though they did not provide details regarding which specific demands were vetoed. Despite this, Netanyahu has directed his team to pursue ongoing talks in Qatar. Furthermore, the prime minister is scheduled to visit Washington on Monday to discuss issues concerning Gaza, Iran, and broader regional topics with Trump. On Friday, aboard Air Force One, Trump mentioned his optimism that an agreement could be finalized.
The current proposal includes a clause whereby Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, would be dispatched to the region to conclude the negotiations. West Jerusalem has consistently opposed any arrangement allowing Hamas to maintain control over Gaza. A previous hostage-truce agreement was formulated in January with a goal of achieving a permanent ceasefire and complete Israeli withdrawal, but it disintegrated in March after Israel refused to initiate discussions on ending hostilities. Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s demands last week: Hamas must surrender, disarm, and exit Gaza — terms that Hamas continues to reject.
The conflict originated from a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel in October 2023, resulting in around 1,200 fatalities, primarily civilians, and the capture of 250 individuals. Among those held captive, 50 remain in Gaza, with less than half surviving. Israel’s military response has reportedly caused over 57,000 deaths in Gaza, most of whom are civilians, as per the Health Ministry operated by Hamas. On Saturday, families of the hostages organized protests throughout Israel, urging the government to finalize a ceasefire agreement.
Videos circulating on social media show crowds marching in several cities including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, and Be’er Sheva, demanding an end to the conflict and the safe return of the captives.
