• White House officials report most major issues in Gaza ceasefire negotiations have been resolved
  • Final sticking point involves specifics of Israeli troop withdrawal during proposed 60-day truce
  • Deal would include hostage-prisoner exchange and could end nearly two years of conflict

Negotiations Reach Critical Phase

White House officials announced Thursday that negotiations to end the war in Gaza are "very close to a deal," with recent talks between the United States, Israel, and Arab states reportedly resolving most major issues except final details around Israeli troop withdrawal during a proposed truce.

President Trump stated that negotiations are "at their final stages," expressing hope that a ceasefire and hostage release, including an exchange of Palestinian prisoners for Israeli captives, is imminent. "We've never been closer to bringing this conflict to an end," Trump told reporters outside the White House, though he cautioned that "the final details always prove the most difficult."

Withdrawal Details Remain Sticking Point

The key unresolved matter centers on the extent and lines of Israel Defense Forces withdrawal during a 60-day truce, according to people familiar with the negotiations who spoke on condition of anonymity. Recent White House meetings made significant progress on this front, but both sides remain cautious about committing to specific troop redeployment timelines.

Hamas has not officially accepted the deal but confirmed receiving proposals and expressed willingness to negotiate for a full ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. A senior Hamas official, speaking from Doha, said the group is "studying the American proposal carefully" but emphasized that "any agreement must include a complete end to the aggression and full withdrawal of occupation forces."

Diplomatic Breakthrough After Months of Stalemate

Trump's proposal follows high-level diplomatic efforts with Arab leaders, with notable cooperation from Qatar and Turkey. The White House has been hosting secret meetings with Qatari and Turkish officials in recent weeks, with discussions linked to wider issues including arms sales and oil imports, according to diplomatic sources.

In a significant concession to regional partners, Trump assured Arab states that he would not support Israel's annexation of the West Bank, countering statements and plans that Prime Minister Netanyahu suggested at the UN General Assembly last month. This assurance helped bring key Arab nations to the negotiating table, according to officials briefed on the discussions.

Humanitarian Crisis Looms Over Talks

The war in Gaza has caused catastrophic humanitarian loss, with over 66,000 Palestinians killed since October 2023, according to the Gaza health ministry. The proposed deal could allow the return of hostages and the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners, impacting families and communities on both sides.

International leaders and organizations have widely welcomed the potential for a ceasefire, urging swift action. A United Nations spokesperson said the organization "stands ready to facilitate humanitarian assistance and support implementation of any agreement reached by the parties."

Netanyahu's office issued a cautious statement, saying Israel is "committed to achieving all its war aims" but acknowledging "constructive discussions" with American mediators. The Israeli leader has faced pressure from hardline coalition partners who oppose any deal that would leave Hamas with governing authority in Gaza.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the duration of the proposed truce. It is 60 days, not 45 days.