Cairo/Gaza City — July 3, 2025 — As nearly two years of war drag on, Hamas is demanding concrete assurances that a proposed U.S. 60-day ceasefire will lead to an end of Gaza Conflict. Their demand comes amid reports of Israeli airstrikes killing scores of civilians within just 24 hours alone according to Gaza Health Ministry and regional medical sources.
Hostilities Continue, With Rising Death Toll
On Thursday, medics reported at least 59 Palestinian deaths as the single deadliest day since talks resumed, as per both Time.com (via Reuter’s) and Arabnews (via Arabnews).
Initial airstrikes by Israeli and U.S. airstrikes claimed over 90 lives earlier in the week, including 45 who were waiting in line for humanitarian aid at distribution points supported by US and Israeli backed distribution points just as weapon talks advanced (for more details, visit: nypost.com + 15; theguardian +15 and apnews + 15).
Ceasefire Proposal and Key Demands U.S. efforts, aided by Qatar and Egypt, have focused on proposing a 60-day ceasefire plan coupled with staggered prisoner-hostage exchange: 10 living Israeli hostages would be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israeli jails
Hamas insists its acceptance is contingent upon guarantees that this pause will become permanent, including Israeli withdrawal; these include guarantees by AAPNews.com (+15) Reuter’s (+15) and New York Post (+15).
According to an insider with Hamas, their negotiators are pressing mediators for legal and international assurances before giving the deal their stamp of approval.
Dual Tracks of Diplomacy and War
In Washington, President Trump reported that Israel has accepted all conditions necessary to move forward with a ceasefire and hostage deal with Hamas via mediators from Qatar and Egypt, calling it a final proposal that was sent through to them from Qatar and Egypt mediators through Qatar and Egyptian mediators, reports the Times (UK). Reuter’s also has similar reports.
Israeli officials believe there are “high” prospects of concluding an accord, though details such as ending the war remain up for discussion, according to Reuter and Arabnews reports (+1 for each). International Response
The Gaza Health Ministry and international NGOs strongly condemned civilian casualties during this conflict, calling for stronger safeguards during any ceasefire and urge it to include civilian protection measures. Washingtonpost.com/, ApNews.com and The Guardian all report this eventful news event as it happened
UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese called for an arms embargo and sanctions on Israel for what she termed its “genocidal campaign,” while pressing for progress on a ceasefire and peace talks, according to The Guardian’s coverage of her speech.
Assuring Hamas of their Agreement
Securing Hamas’s consent has proven challenging. While open to a temporary truce, Hamas requires concrete evidence that its peace will last beyond 60 days (reuters.com/+1 and NYPost/+1 for example).
Israel must find a balance between accepting Hamas disarmament and dismantlement demands and their language difficulties, which has created tension, and Israel’s insistence that Hamas disarm and dismantle – the primary negotiation hurdle reuters.com. Timing and Stakes for Cooperation between both Parties.
Media analysts expect Hamas to respond by Friday; should they show interest, Israel would send an indirect negotiations team for indirect talks in order to seal a deal (according to Reuter’s and The Times respectively).
Israeli negotiators are currently preparing for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit the White House early next week.
With civilian casualties increasing and international pressure mounting, there is increasing urgency to reach an agreement; yet Hamas’ demand for war-ending guarantees prevents progress on an actual ceasefire plan and remains an impediment to reaching any lasting agreement.