Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza: Israel’s PM Netanyahu signals openness to a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, demanding Hamas disarm during a 60-day truce. Explore the latest developments, conditions, and challenges in the Doha negotiations.
On July 10, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made headlines by announcing Israel’s willingness to negotiate a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, provided Hamas meets stringent conditions, including complete demilitarization. This statement, delivered via a video message from Washington, comes as indirect talks between Israel and Hamas continue in Doha, Qatar, aiming to secure a 60-day truce and the release of hostages. The proposal marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict, which was reignited by Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel. But with both sides holding firm on their demands, can a lasting peace be achieved? This article dives into the details of Netanyahu’s proposal, the challenges ahead, and the broader implications for the region.
Netanyahu’s Offer for a Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza
In a surprising development, Netanyahu outlined Israel’s openness to a permanent ceasefire in Gaza during a proposed 60-day truce. Speaking from Washington, he emphasized that negotiations for a lasting end to hostilities could begin at the outset of the truce. However, Israel’s conditions are non-negotiable: Hamas must “lay down its weapons” and relinquish its governing and military capabilities in Gaza.
“If this can be achieved through negotiations, great. If it cannot be achieved through negotiations within 60 days, we will achieve it through other means, by using force, the force of our heroic army,” Netanyahu stated, as reported by AFP
This ultimatum underscores Israel’s hardline stance, prioritizing the demilitarization of Gaza as a prerequisite for peace. Netanyahu’s remarks also reflect a strategic shift, as Israel seeks to balance diplomatic efforts with its military objectives in the region.
Hamas’s Response and Conditions
Hamas, however, has responded with skepticism and its own set of demands. On July 9, 2025, the group agreed to release 10 living hostages during the proposed 60-day truce but expressed strong opposition to any agreement that allows a significant Israeli military presence in Gaza. Specifically, Hamas has criticized Israel’s intention to maintain troops in the “Morag corridor,” a southern strip of Gaza that Israel views as strategically vital.
Hamas has also called for “real guarantees” to ensure lasting peace and unimpeded humanitarian aid into Gaza, which has been devastated by nearly two years of conflict. According to Al Jazeera, Hamas’s demands include a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and an end to the blockade that has restricted the flow of goods and aid into the territory.
The contrasting positions highlight the deep mistrust between the two parties, making the path to a permanent ceasefire in Gaza fraught with challenges.
The Doha Negotiations: A 60-Day Truce Proposal
The current round of indirect negotiations, which began in Doha on July 6, 2025, aims to establish a temporary pause in hostilities. U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff has proposed a 60-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of half of the 20 living hostages still held in Gaza. Netanyahu has indicated that Hamas will decide which hostages are released, a point he reiterated to the hostages’ families, as reported by the Times of Israel
“We will do everything in order to maximize (the number of those released) in this round, in the best way possible. Not everything is in our hands,” Netanyahu said, according to AP
The Doha talks represent a critical opportunity to de-escalate the conflict, which has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions since October 2023. However, the success of these negotiations hinges on both sides’ willingness to compromise—a prospect that remains uncertain.
Israel’s Demand for Demilitarization
At the heart of Israel’s proposal is the demand for Gaza’s demilitarization. Netanyahu has made it clear that a permanent ceasefire in Gaza is contingent on Hamas relinquishing its military capabilities. This includes dismantling its arsenal of rockets, tunnels, and other infrastructure used to launch attacks on Israel.
Israel’s insistence on maintaining a military presence in the Morag corridor has emerged as a major sticking point. The corridor, located along Gaza’s southern border with Egypt, is seen by Israel as a buffer zone to prevent weapons smuggling and militant activity. Hamas, however, views this as an unacceptable violation of Palestinian sovereignty.
The demilitarization demand aligns with Israel’s broader security concerns, particularly in light of Hamas’s October 2023 attack, which killed over 1,200 Israelis and led to the capture of more than 200 hostages. For Israel, ensuring that Hamas cannot rebuild its military capabilities is a non-negotiable condition for any lasting peace agreement.
Challenges to Achieving a Permanent Ceasefire
While the prospect of a permanent ceasefire in Gaza is enticing, several obstacles stand in the way:
1. Mutual Distrust: Both Israel and Hamas have a long history of broken agreements, making it difficult to establish trust. Hamas’s insistence on guarantees for peace and Israel’s demand for demilitarization reflect deep-seated skepticism about each other’s intentions.
2. Military Presence in Gaza: Israel’s plan to retain troops in the Morag corridor is a major point of contention. Hamas has repeatedly stated that it will not accept any deal that allows Israeli forces to remain in Gaza.
3. Hostage Release Complications: With only 20 living hostages remaining, the selection process for their release is a sensitive issue. Hamas’s control over this decision adds complexity to the negotiations.
4. Humanitarian Crisis: Gaza’s dire humanitarian situation, with widespread destruction and limited access to aid, has intensified calls for an end to the blockade. Hamas’s demand for unrestricted humanitarian aid clashes with Israel’s security concerns.
5. External Pressures: International mediators, including the United States and Qatar, are pushing for a resolution, but geopolitical dynamics—such as U.S. support for Israel and regional rivalries—complicate the process.
These challenges underscore the fragility of the current negotiations and the difficulty of achieving a lasting peace.
International Reactions and Implications
The international community has responded cautiously to Netanyahu’s proposal. The United States, a key mediator in the Doha talks, has welcomed the prospect of a permanent ceasefire in Gaza but emphasized the need for both sides to make concessions. U.S. officials are working closely with Qatar and Egypt to bridge the gap between Israel and Hamas.
Arab nations, including Egypt and Jordan, have called for an immediate ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. Meanwhile, the United Nations has warned that the ongoing conflict risks further destabilizing the region, with potential spillover effects in Lebanon and the West Bank.
A successful ceasefire could have far-reaching implications, not only for Gaza but also for Israel’s relations with its neighbors and the broader Middle East. However, failure to reach an agreement could lead to a renewed escalation, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
What’s Next for Gaza?
As the Doha negotiations continue, the world watches closely to see if a permanent ceasefire in Gaza can be achieved. The 60-day truce proposal offers a glimmer of hope, but the road to peace is fraught with obstacles. Israel’s demand for demilitarization and Hamas’s call for sovereignty and aid highlight the fundamental differences that must be reconciled.
For now, the focus remains on securing the release of hostages and halting the violence that has devastated Gaza. Whether through diplomacy or force, as Netanyahu warned, the outcome of these talks will shape the future of the region for years to come.