April 15, 2025 — Cairo/Gaza/Jerusalem
Efforts to broker a renewed ceasefire in Gaza have again stalled, with no agreement reached following the latest round of talks in Cairo, according to Egyptian and Palestinian sources. The central impasse remains unchanged: Hamas continues to demand a full Israeli military withdrawal and a permanent end to hostilities, while Israel insists the war will continue until Hamas is dismantled and all hostages are freed.
Key Sticking Points:
- Disarmament Demand: For the first time, Israel’s latest proposal reportedly includes a clause requiring the eventual disarmament of Hamas — a demand immediately rejected by the group. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri told Reuters, “Handing over the resistance’s weapons is a million red lines and is not subject to consideration, let alone discussion.”
- Hostage Release Negotiations: A senior Egyptian source told Reuters that Hamas showed flexibility by increasing the number of hostages it is willing to release if Israel agrees to a truce. According to Israeli media, Israel now seeks the release of 10 hostages, up from the five previously discussed.
- Stalemated Second Phase: Under the original three-phase ceasefire agreed in January, Hamas released 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian detainees. The deal’s second phase — which was expected to end the war — never materialized. Israel resumed military operations in March.
Ongoing Violence
Since the collapse of the truce, over 1,500 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, including many civilians, according to local health authorities. The Israeli military claims it is targeting Hamas militants and infrastructure, including recent strikes in Jabalia and Khan Younis, which reportedly resulted in heavy civilian casualties and widespread destruction.
In Jabalia, rescue workers pulled bodies from rubble after an Israeli strike flattened a building, with estimates suggesting as many as 25 people were killed. In Khan Younis, makeshift tent camps sheltering displaced families were decimated in another air raid. “We used to live in houses. They were destroyed. Now, our tents have been destroyed too,” said local resident Ismail al-Raqab.
Diplomatic Activity
Leaders of Egypt and Qatar — the key mediators — met in Doha on Sunday to discuss international guarantees for any future ceasefire. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi reportedly called for broader international assurances beyond those offered by Egypt and Qatar.
Hamas confirmed it is reviewing the latest ceasefire proposal and will respond soon. However, without Israel agreeing to a permanent end to the war and withdrawal from Gaza, the group maintains that no progress can be made.
Meanwhile, 59 Israeli hostages remain in Gaza. Israeli officials believe that up to 24 may still be alive.
Context and Toll
The ongoing war, which began after Hamas launched a deadly attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 and taking 251 hostages, has escalated into one of the most devastating conflicts in recent memory. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, over 50,900 Palestinians have been killed since Israel began its military campaign in response.
The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic channels still active, but prospects for a comprehensive agreement appear increasingly dim.
