For the First Time, Israeli Delegation Enters Direct Talks with Hamas on Ending the War
[JERUSALEM, July 20, 2025] — For the first time since the Gaza conflict began, Israel has initiated direct talks with Hamas aimed at ending the war, Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported Saturday, citing a senior political source in Tel Aviv.
Unlike previous discussions focused solely on hostage exchanges, this round of negotiations centers on a broader deal to bring the war to a full conclusion.
"The previous negotiations were only about hostage releases," the source said. "But this time, discussions include how to end the war, what future security arrangements in Gaza will look like, and how to ensure the return of all Israeli hostages."
According to the source, the proposed deal includes a 60-day ceasefire period, during which 10 living Israeli hostages will be released, and full negotiations to end the war will commence.
The new framework is described as both flexible and actionable, allowing both sides to incorporate additional topics into the discussions if desired. The ultimate goal is to reach a mutually agreed settlement to end the conflict.
The Israeli delegation reportedly arrived in Doha with "a wide mandate and broad negotiating authority," although the source emphasized that “Israel will not compromise on its security needs.”
On Friday, Israel’s public broadcaster KAN reported that if the Palestinian side shows willingness for deep engagement, Israel may send another delegation to Doha. The negotiations are being facilitated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.
Under the initial phase of the agreement, during the 60-day ceasefire, 10 living hostages and 18 bodies of deceased captives will be released. During this period, intensive negotiations on ending the war will be conducted.
However, disagreements remain—especially over humanitarian aid access and the strategic deployment of Israeli forces in Gaza. Still, the Israeli side views the agreement as "possible" and "constructive."
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump announced Friday that 10 Israeli hostages would be released from Gaza soon, although he provided no further details.
It’s worth noting that in the past 21 months, there have been several indirect talks between Hamas and Israel. Partial agreements were reached in November 2023 and January this year. However, in March, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—who is currently under indictment by the International Criminal Court—resumed military operations.
Hamas has stated its readiness to release all hostages at once if Israel agrees to withdraw its forces from Gaza and halt what it calls genocide.
Despite repeated international calls for a ceasefire, Israeli airstrikes and ground operations in Gaza have continued. So far, nearly 59,000 Palestinians have been killed, the majority of whom are women and children.
The destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure, worsening food shortages, and the outbreak of disease have pushed the region into a full-scale humanitarian crisis.
In November last year, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. In addition, Israel is facing ongoing genocide proceedings at the International Court of Justice.
