|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
August 5, 2025 — Dublin
Efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza have reached a critical juncture, as the United States pushes for an “all-or-nothing” deal that would end hostilities and secure the release of all remaining hostages. President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, conveyed the proposal to hostage families over the weekend, stating that partial agreements were no longer viable and that “everybody comes home” must be the guiding principle.
This stance aligns closely with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s reported intent to pursue a full military conquest of Gaza. A senior official close to Netanyahu told Israeli media:
“The die is cast – we’re going for full conquest. If the Chief of Staff doesn’t agree – he should resign”.
However, the ceasefire debate is far from one-sided. Palestinian authorities, backed by a growing coalition of Arab and Middle Eastern nations, have called for Hamas to lay down its arms and relinquish control of Gaza. In a landmark declaration signed at a United Nations conference, countries including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and France urged Hamas to disarm and transfer governance to the Palestinian Authority, with international support. The declaration also condemned the October 7 attacks and emphasized the need for a two-state solution.
Yet Hamas remains defiant, insisting that any ceasefire must be preceded by the lifting of the Israeli blockade and the establishment of a fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital. The group has rejected calls to disarm, citing its “right to armed resistance” and arguing that surrendering weapons would mean the end of Palestinian resistance.
A Hamas spokesperson stated:
“Israel can only dream that we would surrender our weapons to it. Surrendering our weapons means the end of the resistance”.
Meanwhile, humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate. Aid organizations and UN agencies have warned of mass starvation, with over 60,000 Palestinians reported killed since the conflict began. The UN General Assembly recently adopted a resolution demanding an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, the lifting of the blockade, and the protection of civilians, though Israel and the U.S. opposed the measure.
The diplomatic landscape remains fractured:
- Israel and the U.S. advocate for a ceasefire contingent on hostage release and Hamas’ disarmament.
- Arab states and the Palestinian Authority call for Hamas to step aside in favor of a unified Palestinian governance structure.
- Hamas demands the lifting of the blockade and recognition of Palestinian sovereignty before agreeing to any ceasefire.
As negotiations stall, the international community faces mounting pressure to reconcile these competing demands and prevent further humanitarian catastrophe.
US Special envoy, Steve Witkoff Picture by heute.at
