President Donald Trump is attempting to negotiate a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, though there are still doubts about the prospects for sustainable peace, according to foreign policy analysts.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held discussions with Trump earlier this week, focusing on the peace situation in the Middle East, especially concerning Hamas and the implications of recent US and Israeli strikes against Iran. Experts highlighted that establishing peace in Gaza is both critical and difficult, particularly as part of broader efforts to normalize relations under the Abraham Accords.
Brent Sadler, a senior researcher at the Heritage Foundation, expressed that achieving long-term peace hinges on excluding Hamas, which he described as unreformable. “It’s a very challenging endeavor,” he noted.
Both the US and Israel have proposed a 60-day ceasefire, but Hamas’s agreement is essential for its success. Reports suggest that Hamas is hesitant, seeking changes to terms that Israel finds unacceptable.
Trump has previously stated that there would be “hell to pay” if Hamas did not engage in negotiations. On Tuesday, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism about reaching a ceasefire agreement by the weekend.
Historically, the only ceasefire between Hamas and Israel lasted roughly three months from January to March 2025.
While Israel contends that disarmament by Hamas is necessary for any peace deal, humanitarian support efforts for Palestinian civilians continue amidst ongoing tensions. Hamas has faced significant losses in leadership and infrastructure, complicating its position, especially given the declining support from Iran.
According to Sadler, the current geopolitical situation may present unprecedented opportunities for breakthroughs in Israeli-Palestinian relations, particularly given Iran’s reduced influence.
Since the escalation of the conflict on October 7, 2023, many hostages have been taken to Gaza, and while some have been rescued during a brief ceasefire, reports indicate that as of June, 50 hostages remain, with 27 believed to have died.
Sadler suggested that while a lasting peace may not be achievable immediately, there are realistic possibilities for releasing some hostages. “You’re not going to get all the hostages,” he noted, emphasizing that Hamas is likely to continue using them as leverage, but their actions may not prove effective in the long run.
The pursuit of peace in Gaza could significantly bolster Trump’s efforts to expand the Abraham Accords, especially regarding a potential diplomatic deal involving Saudi Arabia. Gabriel Noronha, president of Polaris National Security, previously noted that Saudi cooperation could pave the way for other Arab nations to follow suit, countering Iran’s influence.
However, Noronha cautioned that resolving internal issues within Saudi Arabia is crucial before any substantial peace initiatives can take shape.
Netanyahu has initiated “Operation Gideon Tank,” aiming for an encirclement of the Gaza Strip. The Israeli Defence Force has reportedly made significant advances in the area, further challenging Hamas.
In a strategic move, Israel is also supporting rival factions in the Gaza Strip, potentially setting the stage for future diplomatic engagements that could diminish Hamas’s power.
The State Department has yet to respond to inquiries regarding these developments.
