BREAKING NEWS: COUNTDOWN FOR CEASE-FIRE IN GAZA HAS STARTED: EYES ON CRITICAL MEETING IN THE WHITE HOUSE!

After months of fighting and civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip, hopes for a ceasefire have returned to the agenda. A 60-day temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is expected to be announced during US President Donald Trump’s White House meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, July 7.

'TURNING POINT'

While the international community emphasizes that this development could be a diplomatic turning point, statements from both Washington and the region show that the parties are closer to an agreement than ever before.

Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported that the Tel Aviv government was preparing to discuss a ceasefire and prisoner swap agreement with Hamas. Israeli officials who spoke to the newspaper reported that Trump aimed to "announce that an agreement on a ceasefire and prisoner swap has been reached" in his meeting with Netanyahu.

POSITIVE RESPONSE FROM HAMAS

The Hamas front also announced that it had given a "positive response" to the offer made through mediators regarding a ceasefire and prisoner exchange, following consultations with Palestinian political groups. The written statement said, "Hamas is fully prepared to immediately enter into a serious round of negotiations to implement this offer." However, Palestinian sources reported that Hamas viewed the ceasefire offer favorably and that a new round of negotiations was expected to begin in Qatar.

'THE MOST DIFFICULT TITLE IS WITHDRAWAL FROM GAZA'

The Israeli Channel 12 reported, citing an unnamed official, that Hamas' response had reached Tel Aviv through mediators and that a detailed evaluation was being made. The same source said that the Israeli delegation was expected to go to Doha, the capital of Qatar, soon to discuss the ceasefire proposal.

But according to Israeli state television, KAN, Hamas is insisting on three main demands: a return to the old humanitarian aid model in Gaza, a clarification of the process that will follow the 60-day ceasefire, and the complete withdrawal of the Israeli army from the Gaza Strip. Israel Hayom reported that the most difficult part of the negotiations will be the withdrawal map.

'GAZA' CRISIS IN TEL AVIV CABINET

There are also serious disagreements in Israel's domestic politics regarding the ceasefire process. Netanyahu and Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir allegedly got into an argument at a meeting over a plan to forcibly displace Palestinians from the Gaza Strip.

Allegedly, cabinet members demanded that the Israeli army occupy the entire northern part of Gaza and expel civilians to the south. Zamir opposed the plan, saying, "How are we going to govern 2 million people?" and warned that the plan could create chaos.

'YOU ARE NOT OBEYING ORDERS'

Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich accused Chief of Staff Zamir of not following orders. During the discussion, Zamir's statement, "Do you want to establish a military government in Gaza?" attracted attention.

Netanyahu put an end to this discussion and said, "Prepare the evacuation plan. I want to see it when I return from Washington."

'WE MAY LOSE CONTROL'

Another debate within the Israeli cabinet was over the plan to forcibly displace Palestinians and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Chief of Staff Zamir's words, "It will be much more difficult to control hungry and angry people, and this could lead to a complete loss of control," were widely echoed in the Israeli press.

Netanyahu, for his part, has argued that Hamas must be destroyed, and that even areas that the army has not attacked should be seized so as not to endanger prisoners. It remains unclear how this plan will affect hopes for a ceasefire.

ALL EYES ON THE WHITE HOUSE

In light of all these developments, the future of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange process in Gaza is locked in the Trump-Netanyahu summit to be held at the White House on July 7. Despite the differences of opinion and security concerns between the parties, the international community hopes that a lasting solution will emerge from this meeting.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Following the ceasefire that came into effect on January 19 in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli army resumed its violent attacks on the morning of March 18.

At least 57,268 Palestinians have been killed and 135,625 injured in Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023.

Since Israel broke the ceasefire on March 18, 6,710 people have lost their lives and 23,584 people have been injured in its attacks on Gaza.

Since May 27, the number of people killed as a result of systematic attacks targeting Palestinians in the distribution areas established under the name of humanitarian aid by the Israeli-US-led "Gaza Humanitarian Relief Foundation" has risen to 714 and the number of injured to 4,837.

The Israeli army has begun implementing an attack plan that will expand the occupation of the Gaza Strip and make it permanent. Netanyahu announced that they will occupy the entire Gaza Strip.