Ceasefire talks continue amid rising death toll and diplomatic push from Trump administration
By Middle East Desk | July 10, 2025
Gaza City / Washington, D.C. — Hamas announced on Wednesday that it has agreed to release 10 Israeli captives as part of efforts to broker a ceasefire deal in the war-torn Gaza Strip. However, the group described ongoing negotiations as "tough," blaming Israeli "intransigence" for the lack of progress.
The announcement came on a deadly day for Palestinians — with at least 74 people killed in Israeli air raids, including women and children sheltering at humanitarian aid distribution points, according to local health officials.
Ceasefire Talks Face Major Hurdles
The truce discussions are being mediated by Qatar and the United States, with both sides reportedly far apart on key issues:
Hamas official Taher al-Nunu said the group had accepted the most recent proposal and is “offering necessary flexibility to protect our people, stop the crime of genocide, and allow aid to enter Gaza freely and with dignity.”
Al-Nunu emphasized that any Israeli troop withdrawals must be arranged in a way that "paves the way for the second phase" of the ceasefire process without threatening Palestinian lives.
Trump: 'Very Good Chance' of Ceasefire
From Washington, D.C., U.S. President Donald Trump — who met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu twice this week — said the chances of a truce being reached are improving.
“There’s a very good chance we will have a settlement, an agreement of some kind, this week or maybe next,” Trump told reporters. “Nothing is definite — this is war, and war is unpredictable — but we are optimistic.”
Trump’s latest comments mark a slight reduction in confidence from earlier this week, as both sides continue to face international pressure to end the fighting.
Rising Civilian Toll
Israeli airstrikes reportedly targeted areas around Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid sites, causing widespread casualties. Local officials say multiple children were among the dead.
Humanitarian agencies warn that conditions in Gaza are rapidly deteriorating, with limited access to food, water, and medical care compounding the toll of months of war.
What’s Next?
While Hamas's announcement is seen as a positive step, major obstacles remain before any final deal can be signed:
With Trump pushing for a breakthrough and both sides under growing pressure, the coming days could prove decisive in one of the region’s deadliest conflicts in recent years.
