Hamas has urged the United States to apply substantial pressure on Israel to secure a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, as the ongoing conflict shows no signs of slowing. This plea from the militant group comes amid Israel’s continued military operations in Gaza, following the deadly October 7 attack by Hamas that escalated the war. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, has dismissed the possibility of a deal, insisting that the talks are stalled.
Khalil al-Hayya, Hamas's chief negotiator based in Qatar, has called for the U.S. to abandon its “blind bias” toward Israel and push Netanyahu’s government toward a ceasefire agreement. Tensions between Hamas and Israel have been high as negotiations for a truce and a possible hostage exchange have repeatedly faltered. Al-Hayya warned that Netanyahu’s stance, particularly his demand for control over the Philadelphi Corridor on the Egypt-Gaza border, is a key obstacle in the talks. This corridor is critical for preventing weapons smuggling into Gaza, which Israel sees as necessary for its security.
Despite the increasing pressure, Netanyahu said in a recent interview that a deal is not imminent. He reiterated Israel’s demand to control the Philadelphi Corridor, which Hamas opposes. The Israeli prime minister faces internal criticism over the deaths of six hostages in Gaza and mounting calls for concessions to secure a ceasefire deal. At protests across Israel, demonstrators have called for Netanyahu to prioritize the safe return of the remaining hostages.
One protestor, Gil Dickmann, a relative of one of the hostages, expressed the frustration shared by many. “If the leaders don’t want to sign a deal, we’ll make them,” he said, reflecting the growing impatience with the government’s handling of the negotiations.
The United States has been working behind the scenes to bridge the divide between Hamas and Israel. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently said that “90 percent” of a ceasefire proposal has been agreed upon, but emphasized the importance of both parties finalizing the deal. Meanwhile, Qatar, a key mediator, has accused Israel of spreading false narratives and warned that Israel’s approach could jeopardize ongoing peace efforts.
As the negotiations drag on, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. Israeli airstrikes overnight killed six people in Gaza City, adding to the over 40,000 deaths since Israel’s retaliatory offensive began. The United Nations has reported that the majority of those killed in Gaza are women and children. Israeli airstrikes, combined with the destruction of critical infrastructure, have led to a severe humanitarian crisis in the region.
In the West Bank, Israeli forces are conducting operations targeting militant groups. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has called for the military to use “full strength” against militants in areas such as Jenin and Tulkarem. The conflict in the West Bank has claimed the lives of 36 Palestinians and one Israeli soldier since late August.
As Gaza faces devastation, a polio outbreak has compounded the region’s challenges. The World Health Organization has launched a vaccination campaign, with over 200,000 children already receiving their first dose. However, continued fighting threatens to impede the success of this vital public health effort.
As Hamas continues to push for U.S. intervention and Netanyahu maintains his hardline stance, the prospect of a ceasefire remains distant. The humanitarian toll on both sides of the conflict is immense, and the international community watches closely as efforts to broker peace persist. Whether through diplomatic pressure or grassroots protests, the push for an end to the violence is intensifying.