Talks aimed at securing a ceasefire in Gaza are faltering over disagreements on the extent of Israeli forces’ withdrawal from the Palestinian enclave. The indirect talks, which began seven days ago, have stalled despite US President Donald Trump’s hopes for a breakthrough soon.
The conflict has resulted in 17 people being killed in the latest mass shooting near an aid distribution point, with medics reporting people shot in the head and torso. The Israeli military claims its troops fired warning shots, but no one was hurt by their fire.
Delegations from Israel and Hamas have been pushing for a phased release of hostages, Israeli troop withdrawals, and discussions on ending the war. However, Hamas has rejected Israel’s withdrawal maps, which would leave around 40% of Gaza under Israeli control.
The crisis could be resolved with more US intervention, according to Palestinian sources. The UN has rejected Israel’s aid distribution system as inherently dangerous and a violation of humanitarian neutrality principles. Thousands of Israelis have rallied in central Tel Aviv demanding a deal that would release all remaining hostages being held by Hamas.
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages into Gaza. At least 20 of the remaining 50 hostages are believed to still be alive. The conflict has left more than 57,000 Palestinians dead and displaced almost the entire population of over 2 million people.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/gaza-truce-talks-faltering-over-withdrawal-palestinian-israeli-sources-say-2025-07-12