Ceasefire Talks Intensify Amid Ongoing Gaza Conflict, Says Hamas Official

Key Takeaways

International mediators are intensifying efforts to broker a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release, but talks with Israel remain stalled.
US President Trump expressed optimism about regional progress, citing his envoy's belief that an Israel-Hamas agreement is 'very close' despite no new proposals from Hamas.
Violence in Gaza continues, with Israeli attacks killing 45 Palestinians and Hamas claiming responsibility for an attack that killed seven Israeli soldiers.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's aid distribution faces criticism for violating humanitarian principles and being linked to casualties near distribution sites.
Gaza residents report deepening humanitarian crises, with divided opinions on whether Iran's weakened position could lead to peace or further Israeli military escalation.

A senior Hamas official has revealed that international mediators are intensifying efforts to secure a ceasefire and hostage release agreement in Gaza. However, discussions with Israel have yet to yield significant progress, according to the official.

The statement comes as US President Donald Trump expressed optimism about advancements in the region following the conclusion of a 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran. Trump indicated that his envoy, Steve Witkoff, believes an agreement between Israel and Hamas is "very close."

Meanwhile, violence continues to escalate in Gaza. The Hamas-run health ministry reported that Israeli attacks on Wednesday resulted in the deaths of at least 45 Palestinians, including civilians seeking humanitarian aid. On the same day, the Israeli military confirmed that seven soldiers were killed in a bomb attack claimed by Hamas.

Trump, speaking in Brussels, attributed the perceived progress to recent US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. "I think we're going to have some very good news," he said, referencing his conversation with Witkoff. The Hamas official, however, clarified that no new proposals have been presented to the group.

An Israeli official echoed the lack of progress in negotiations, telling Haaretz that major disagreements remain unresolved. Efforts led by the US, Qatar, and Egypt to broker a deal stalled in late May after Hamas sought amendments to a US-backed proposal for a 60-day truce, which included the release of hostages.

Israel resumed its military offensive in Gaza on March 18, ending a two-month ceasefire, with the stated aim of pressuring Hamas to release hostages. Approximately 50 hostages remain in Gaza, at least 20 of whom are believed to be alive. Israel also imposed a blockade on humanitarian aid in March, partially easing it after 11 weeks amid international pressure.

In response, Israel and the US supported the creation of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) to distribute aid, bypassing the UN. The GHF claims to have distributed over 44 million meals since May 26, though the UN and other aid groups have refused to cooperate, citing violations of humanitarian principles. Reports indicate that at least 549 people have been killed and 4,000 injured near GHF distribution sites.

Funerals were held in Gaza City for 33 individuals reportedly killed while awaiting aid. "These aid points are not aid points, these are death points," said Abu Mohammed, a local resident. UNICEF spokesman James Elder, who recently visited Gaza, warned that denying food in a combat zone creates a "lethal choice."

As the conflict persists, opinions in Gaza are divided. Some view the weakening of Iran, a key Hamas ally, as a potential catalyst for peace, while others fear Israel may intensify its military operations in the region. "Everything got worse," said Nader Ramadan, a resident of Khan Younis, reflecting the deepening humanitarian crisis.