The ongoing developments related to the Israeli conflict in Gaza sometimes intersect and at other times run parallel to each other, with a wide range of statements being made. This indicates that an announcement may be imminent, unless this activity serves to obscure prepared surprises.
An Israeli delegation is currently in Washington in advance of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s planned visit on July 7, where he is set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump expressed hope for a deal to be finalized within a week, while an Israeli newspaper reported details regarding the proposed terms of a potential agreement.
Yesterday, Trump reiterated that the U.S. aims to achieve a ceasefire “within the next week.” When asked whether a truce in Gaza could be established before Netanyahu’s visit, he remarked, “We hope to reach that, and we expect it to occur sometime within the next week.”
Trump indicated that he would discuss the situations in Gaza and Iran with Netanyahu. An Israeli official mentioned that Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer is set to examine the possibility of establishing regional diplomatic agreements following the 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran last month.
In addition to halting the conflict in Gaza, Dermer is engaged in talks in Washington ahead of Netanyahu’s meeting with Trump. White House spokesperson Caroline Levitt stated that Dermer is in Washington to meet with White House officials.
New Proposal
Meanwhile, the Israeli newspaper “Haaretz” reported, citing Israeli and American sources, that a new proposal is under consideration, which involves what has been termed “political compensation” for Israel in exchange for ending the conflict in Gaza, including a Syrian declaration to end hostilities with Israel.
The report indicates that the initial stage of the proposal involves the release of ten living Israeli prisoners, followed by negotiations on key principles to conclude the war, culminating in an official ceasefire declaration and the release of remaining prisoners.
According to the newspaper, the proposed terms entail significant concessions from Hamas, including the expulsion of its leaders from Gaza and the termination of its governance in the region, with power being transferred to an Arab coalition responsible for civil affairs, especially regarding reconstruction.
Furthermore, the report notes that Qatar has made commitments to Hamas leadership residing within its borders, assuring that acceptance of the proposal will lead to the cessation of hostilities. Additionally, there is a U.S. commitment to ensure the agreement is executed and to prevent Israel from resuming combat following the initial prisoner release.
In exchange, Israel demands guarantees that would allow it to restart military actions if negotiations collapse after the first phase of the agreement is implemented. An Israeli source informed the newspaper that consultations are taking place with the U.S. regarding the proposed terms as part of the preparations for Netanyahu’s visit to Washington next week.
Preparation for Approval
According to “Haaretz,” some ministers who attended the cabinet meeting regarding the southern command last Sunday estimated that statements by Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, which suggested that the objectives of the war in Gaza have been exhausted, were coordinated with Netanyahu to pave the way for acceptance of the agreement.
The sources indicated that linking the end of the conflict with “political compensation” for Israel is not a new concept, as Israel has been engaged in diplomatic discussions mediated by National Security Council head Tzachi Hanegbi with representatives of the Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara. These preliminary talks include discussions about allowing workers from Syria into Israel.
The newspaper anticipates that Israel will agree to withdraw from certain areas in Syria, although it will refuse to vacate the Golan Heights.
However, on the ground, fighting continues to rage between the Israeli military and Palestinian factions, with Gaza health authorities reporting that 112 Palestinians have died and over 400 have been injured due to gunfire and shelling throughout the region in the past 24 hours, including 49 Palestinians who were killed since the dawn yesterday.