After nearly 21 months of relentless war, Gaza is once again on the verge of a possible ceasefire—this time looking more likely than ever. For families exhausted by airstrikes and displacement, even a brief pause is offering hope for survival, medical treatment, and desperately in need of the aid.
Donald Trump, who has pushed for negotiations, said on Friday that Hamas might accept a deal within 24 hours—one that Israel has already agreed to in principle. Observers expect an announcement once Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits Washington next week.
What the 60 days ceasefire will look like?
If it happens, this would be the third ceasefire of the war. The first, in November 2023, collapsed after just 10 days. The second, imposed in February this year, ended when Israel failed to keep its promise of further negotiations. Now, however, there is more international pressure, more guarantees being offered to Hamas, and a deeper recognition of the human cost.
The new plan calls for a phased release of hostages by Hamas and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid into Gaza, and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied areas. Talks about a permanent end to the conflict would continue during the 60-day truce, with the US and regional powers offering assurances to prevent a sudden Israeli return to all-out war.
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Key driver behind this new momentum:
A key driver behind this new momentum is Israel’s brief but intense conflict with Iran last month. Brokered to a stop by Washington, it left Iran’s regional influence weaker and gave Netanyahu a political boost at home. Though his popularity remains fragile, the prospect of returning hostages and a break from mounting Israeli military casualties—20 soldiers died in June alone—could help him survive politically.
For Hamas, the picture is bleaker. Devastated by Israel’s offensive, with tens of thousands of Palestinians killed (most of them civilians), Gaza’s infrastructure in ruins, and few regional allies willing to intervene, the group is under enormous pressure. Leaders are determined at least to secure a continued presence in Gaza, even if symbolic.
What happens if talks collapse again?
But even if a ceasefire is declared, its impact will going to depend on what follows. For Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, it might mean the first real opportunity in nearly two years to bury their dead in peace, find food without being shot at, and rebuild homes and lives. For Israel, it is offering a probability to lift the burden off the soldiers and families desperate to see hostages return.
Yet if trust collapses again—as in previous truces—fighting could start quickly as the fire surrounds the whole area in just few seconds, dashing hopes and deepening an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis.