Israel has rejected Hamas’ proposed changes to a Gaza ceasefire deal, saying it is “unacceptable.” However, it has also agreed to continue indirect talks in Doha, according to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on Saturday, as cited by Israeli media.

United States ruler Donald Trump announced a “final proposal” for a 60-day Gaza ceasefire last week, saying he expected positive replies from both sides within a few hours. Hamas responded on Friday “in a positive spirit,” saying it is “fully prepared” to immediately begin a new round of talks to implement the ceasefire framework. The group, however, proposed amendments to the originally drafted ceasefire. A source involved in the mediation efforts said Hamas wants talks on a permanent truce to continue during the 60-day pause, full restoration of United Nations aid instead of the U.S.- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, and the withdrawal of Israeli troops to pre-March positions.

However, Israel did not approve of the amendments proposed by the terrorist group Hamas. West Jerusalem has repeatedly refused to accept any deal that leaves Hamas in control of Gaza. A previous hostage-truce deal reached in January included a three-phase process ending with a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal, but it collapsed in March after Israel refused to begin talks on ending the war.

Trump has already threatened to seize areas of Gaza, and Israel seemed upbeat about that possibility.

Israel’s Plan To Seize “Large Areas” Of Gaza

Israel’s stated goal from the start of the war has been the complete eradication of Hamas.

Israel Doubles Down On Its Goal To Eliminate Hamas

A negotiating team is expected to travel to Qatar on Sunday for the next round of negotiations with the Palestinian militant group, according to a report by RT. 

On Friday, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that he is “optimistic” a deal can be reached. The current draft includes a provision that Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, is to travel to the region to finalize the agreement. – RT

Who is going to get their way? Or is this war destined to continue? Should we be ready for a broader war? What do you think? Let’s get the discussion going.