Cautious optimism surrounds the potential for a ceasefire in Gaza after two meetings between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump, who mentioned that an agreement may be on the horizon. This comes alongside ongoing discussions in Doha. Meanwhile, the Port of Haifa received the largest shipment of U.S. military equipment in history between the two nations.
According to Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, the U.S. military shipment contains weapons, ammunition, and equipment to support ground operations, including dozens of D9 bulldozers that had been previously barred from being sent to Israel during President Biden’s administration.
The Israeli Ministry of Defense stated, “This shipment is part of a multi-billion shekel armament initiative, and the decision to lift the embargo was made in late January, just days after Donald Trump took office, facilitating the release of previously frozen equipment.”
Israeli Defense Ministry Director-General, Major General (Res.) Amir Baram, confirmed that the equipment would be used to bolster the Israeli military’s capabilities during what he referred to as “the current campaign” in Gaza, as well as preparation for the upcoming decade. He added that Israel has received numerous ships and cargo planes recently, calling it “the largest air and sea lift in Israeli history,” with over 100,000 tons of military equipment transported through 870 flights and 144 barges.
Yedioth Ahronoth reports that the latest shipment, coordinated by the Israeli procurement mission in the U.S. along with military planning and transport units, will be utilized to expand Israeli ground operations in Gaza, signaling a readiness for a protracted combat scenario.
Netanyahu’s Optimism
In the meantime, Netanyahu expressed optimism, despite differences and the lack of breakthroughs in the discussions thus far. In an interview with Fox News, he stated, “We’re discussing a 60-day ceasefire, during which half of the living hostages and half of the deceased hostages will be returned to Israel… Yes, I believe we are nearing an agreement.” He also mentioned on X that he and Trump discussed the implications of what he termed “a significant victory over Iran,” following last month’s air campaign involving U.S. strikes on nuclear sites in Iran.
Axios reported from a source close to the discussions that a Qatari delegation, hosting indirect negotiations between Israeli and Hamas negotiators, met with senior White House officials before Netanyahu’s arrival two days ago.
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff remarked that the number of issues blocking an agreement has diminished from four to one, expressing optimism about reaching a temporary ceasefire agreement by the start of next week.
Witkoff informed reporters that the anticipated agreement would include a 60-day ceasefire, the release of ten living prisoners, and the handover of the remains of nine deceased individuals.
New Round of Negotiations
A new round of indirect negotiations between the parties began in Doha on Sunday with the aim of establishing a ceasefire, but no breakthroughs have been achieved as of yet.
Two Palestinian sources familiar with the talks accused Israel of obstructing the Doha negotiations. One official, who requested anonymity, stated that the Israeli delegation refuses to agree to “the free flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza” and the withdrawal of troops from the region. The second Palestinian source blamed “Netanyahu’s obstructionist policy,” adding that there had been an exchange of views but no significant progress has been made.
Israeli bombardments continue in Gaza. At least 22 Palestinians died yesterday due to the airstrikes, including ten in the beach camp (north), six of whom were children, according to civil defense spokesperson Mahmoud Bsal. In the southern region, several injured children were transported to Nasser Hospital following an assault on makeshift tents in the Mawasi area.
Umm Ahmad from the Mawasi area stated, “We are extremely exhausted. They talk daily about a ceasefire, yet the massacres continue.”
Umm Muhammad Shaaban, a Palestinian grandmother who lost three of her grandchildren in the attack, expressed skepticism regarding the proposed ceasefire, saying, “After they have destroyed us, are they telling us about a truce?”