Description: Hamas had initially responded positively to the latest US – proposed ceasefire, however, in the latter stages of the negotiations, imposed amendments and demands that were later unacceptable for the Israeli side. Hamas had allegedly demanded for stronger language to be used regarding Israel’s gradual military withdrawal from the Gaza Strip in addition to the cessation of activities by the controversial humanitarian organization GHF (Gaza Humanitarian Foundation). The organization also reportedly demanded US guarantees that Israel wouldn’t violate the ceasefire and commit towards consistent diplomatic efforts in reaching an end to the war. Israel continued its attacks targeting over 140 civilians while also conducting aerial strikes in Yemen, as a response to reported ballistic missile attacks launched by the Houthis. Israel, despite rejecting the demands from Hamas, sent a diplomatic delegation to Doha, where intermediary negotiations are set to take place. Prime Minister Netanyahu is expected to meet US President Donald Trump on Monday, 07 Jul, when they would discuss the 60 – day ceasefire and its potential implementation.
Impact: Hamas entrenchment into diplomatic maneuvering regarding the ceasefire could potentially collapse the entire initiative as Israel holds a significant upper hand in the war on the ground. The demands from Hamas, despite being in the spirit of clarity and reassurances, risk provoking Israel to abandon the peace initiative besides the pressure that Netanyahu currently faces from the Israeli Parliament, the public upheaval and from the US President. The amendments from Hamas have effectively postponed the implementation of the ceasefire indefinitely and compromised the entire peace initiative. The Monday meeting between Netanyahu and Trump would almost certainly shape Israel’s official position going forward, while the ongoing intermediary negotiations in Doha would essentially determine whether the ceasefire has a chance of prevailing over the war.