Indirect Talks Between Israel and Hamas Ongoing for Potential Ceasefire

What Happened?

Indirect talks between Israel and Hamas have been ongoing through Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Qatar this week. Despite the continued indirect discussions, thus far no new framework for a ceasefire has been reached. 

Talks are expected to resume on Monday, as mediators plan to hold separate meetings with each delegation to overcome differences and reduce the gulf between the demands of Israel and Hamas. 

The latest round of indirect negotiations come as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu headed to Washington to meet Donald Trump, who continued to express optimism for a new ceasefire agreement without providing any details. 

Why it Matters

The indirect talks between Israel and Hamas indicate that while both sides are interested in forging a new ceasefire agreement, they remain far apart in what it would take to achieve one. Hamas wants the Israeli military to leave Gaza, which is very unlikely in the near term. Israel ultimately aims to replace Hamas with a more secular governing authority in Gaza, which is just as unlikely due to the group’s deep roots in the area. 

Crypto's "Once Per Cycle" Wealth-Building Moment Is Here

We’ve entered the next phase of the crypto cycle—where smart capital moves early and retail follows late. With fundamentals stronger than ever and institutional adoption accelerating, the window to act is now. While others wait for certainty, the informed few are positioning for outsized gains.

Get my #1 Coin to Buy During the Dip guide—your edge in this cycle, for just $3.

There have been indications that at least some Palestinians are angry with Hamas for starting the war with Israel which has brought so much destruction and death to Gaza. Protests and public condemnations of Hamas are rare in Gaza because those who engage in them will likely be targeted for arrest or elimination by armed militants allied with Hamas. Despite the dangers, there have been some anti-Hamas demonstrations in Gaza recently, as well as comments on social media critical of Hamas. 

Israel has achieved a clear military victory over Hamas, but the real question now is what Israel will do with that success. Israel itself is divided, with one portion of the country seeking to end the war as soon as possible and another committed to continuing the conflict until Hamas has been completely destroyed. As long as the more hawkish faction continues to control Israel’s government, it is likely they will continue combat operations in Gaza.

Whether Israel’s military success will translate into long term security depends on whether or not it can remove the underlying causes of the war. If Israel cannot remove the causes, then the same forces which launched the attack in October 2023 will likely do so again as soon as they have replenished their losses. Hatred for Israel, the main underlying cause, remains deep in the Arab speaking world, and that hatred is the headwaters from which all regional terrorist groups in the Middle East flow.

How it Affects You

Israel has a chance to use its military success as a foundation upon which to build lasting changes in Gaza and surrounding countries. If Israel squanders that opportunity, then the security it has gained from recent battlefield victories will be temporary.