As diplomatic momentum increased this month, efforts to reach an effective ceasefire agreement in Gaza became stalled by unresolved core disputes that are holding back progress towards lasting ceasefire. Negotiators still face fundamental disagreements on issues like war termination, hostage exchanges and Israeli troop withdrawal–raising doubts about its durability and prospects for wider peace.
At the core of negotiations lies Hamas’s demand for a permanent cessation of hostilities and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza; this demand has been shared by Palestinian civilians who have endured two years of war. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s hardline coalition demands dismantlement of Hamas military infrastructure before any full cessation of operations can take place.
These diverging viewpoints have proven the deal’s main sticking points: Hamas insists the war must end to release all remaining hostages, while Israel categorically denies it until all its military objectives have been achieved.
Hostage-for-Prisoner Exchanges: A Conditional Pause
Within the current framework is an exchange plan featuring phased prisoner-for-hostage swaps connected with a temporary truce lasting 42 days, tied in part by Hamas releasing some hostages before seeing full implementation of all stages (including those not freed yet and withdrawals by Israel), including hostages not yet released and withdrawals by Israeli.
For more details please refer to APnews.com + 5 in addition to Brookings +5 and Wikipedia +5.
Israel, for its part, delays further releases due to “security concerns” and only partial compliance with the terms of the deal – creating an unstable pause with uncertain ramifications.
Conflict Over Military Presence in Gaza
One recurrent issue involves Israeli forces deployed along the Egyptian border in Philadelphi and Netzarim corridors–strategic areas that divide Gaza north from south–which Hamas and Egypt view as occupation, prompting strong condemnations by both groups. En.wikipedia.org + 2 (En), Brookings.edu +2 and Wikipedia (+2).
Israel views it as vital to its efforts against arms smuggling and maintaining buffer space, with withdrawals promised earlier phase remaining delayed amid mounting distrust (En.Wikipedia.org, 2009).
Obstacles to Peace within Israel
Complicating matters further are political considerations within Israel itself, where PM Netanyahu’s far-right coalition includes ministers opposed to any deal that appears to leave Hamas intact intact; key figures like Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich have made clear their opposition by publicly threatening resignation or withdrawal if too much concessions are made, casting doubt upon Israel’s ability to keep its promises.
Humanitarian Costs and International Pressure
With military activity and evacuations continuing – 25 Palestinians were killed on Monday alone – human distress increases exponentially (AP News/The Guardian/aljazeera). For more details please see: apnews.com and +2.
International mediators from Egypt, the U.S., Qatar and the UN have intensified efforts to secure corridors for aid delivery and strengthen the truce. Pressure on Israel reportedly is also growing ahead of scheduled talks between Israeli strategic affairs minister Ron Dermer and American officials in Washington for talks scheduled later in July (reuters.com/article/898758) [+9], Aa.com.tr/898756 and The Guardian/Guardian/898756) reportedly.
Outlook: Ceasefire Is Uncertain
While the current ceasefire remains intact, its future depends on overcoming deep divisions over what constitutes an end to war, hostage release timing, and Israeli military posture. Both parties maintain that they are committed to ongoing dialogue but without mutual concessions there remains the potential risk of collapse.
Former U.S. and regional mediators warn that failing to address key sticking points head on–particularly troop withdrawal and hostage phased–will cause the temporary pause to unravel. One senior official from Cairo observed: “Trust is limited, and each breach risks destabilizing this fragile calm.
While diplomatic progress has made strides forward, old sticking points–including core disagreements on war termination, balance of power issues and political will–continue to threaten any lasting Gaza ceasefire agreement. With talks resuming in Washington and Cairo soon, these next talks may prove pivotal.