International mediators are set to initiate a new round of talks aimed at reviving stalled cease-fire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. These discussions, which are scheduled to begin on Thursday, are intended to finalize a deal that could potentially end the 10-month conflict and secure the release of approximately 110 hostages still held in Gaza. However, the likelihood of a breakthrough remains slim, as significant challenges persist. 

The two sides have been considering an internationally-backed proposal for over two months, but little progress has been made. Key issues, including new terms introduced in recent weeks, have further complicated the situation. Hamas has yet to confirm its participation in the upcoming talks, adding to the uncertainty.

The proposal, first detailed by U.S. President Joe Biden on May 31, outlines a three-phase approach to achieve a lasting truce. The first phase calls for a six-week “full and complete cease-fire,” a withdrawal of Israeli forces from densely populated areas in Gaza, and the release of several hostages, including women, the elderly, and the wounded, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. During this period, Palestinian civilians would return to their homes, and humanitarian aid would be increased.

In the second phase, negotiators would aim to secure the release of all remaining hostages, including male soldiers, and achieve Israel’s complete withdrawal from Gaza. The temporary cease-fire would then become permanent. The third phase involves the extensive reconstruction of Gaza, which has been heavily damaged by the ongoing conflict.

Despite Biden’s endorsement, the proposal has not led to significant progress. Israel is particularly concerned about the potential for prolonged negotiations that could indefinitely extend the cease-fire. Hamas, on the other hand, fears that Israel might resume military operations once the most vulnerable hostages are released, a concern exacerbated by recent comments from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Further complicating matters, both sides have introduced additional demands. Israel has reportedly sought to maintain control of certain strategic areas in Gaza, such as the Philadelphi corridor along the Egyptian border, and has requested veto power over the Palestinian prisoners to be released. Hamas has rejected these demands, along with Israel’s request for a list of the hostages who are still alive.

The talks were further destabilized last month when Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran, in what is widely believed to have been an Israeli attack. The assassination, which occurred shortly after Israel targeted a top Hezbollah commander in Beirut, has heightened fears of a broader regional conflict involving Iran and its proxy groups, such as Hezbollah. This escalation has shifted international focus away from efforts to secure a cease-fire.

Both Netanyahu and Hamas’ new leader, Yahya Sinwar, have reasons to continue the conflict. Netanyahu faces pressure from his far-right coalition partners, who have threatened to topple his government if he agrees to a cease-fire. For Hamas, the war has generated international condemnation of Israel, and Sinwar himself could be at risk if hostilities cease.

In a related development, the U.S. has approved the sale of $20 billion worth of military equipment to Israel, including F-15 fighter jets and other arms. While some deliveries are expected to begin in 2026, the full order, including the fighter jets, may not be completed until 2029. U.S. officials have emphasized the importance of maintaining Israel’s military capabilities, despite the ongoing conflict.

As the situation remains tense, the potential for a resolution appears distant, with the war in Gaza continuing to cause widespread devastation and a growing humanitarian crisis.

The two sides have been considering an internationally-backed proposal for over two months, but little progress has been made. Key issues, including new terms introduced in recent weeks, have further complicated the situation. Hamas has yet to confirm its participation in the upcoming talks, adding to the uncertainty.

The proposal, first detailed by U.S. President Joe Biden on May 31, outlines a three-phase approach to achieve a lasting truce. The first phase calls for a six-week “full and complete cease-fire,” a withdrawal of Israeli forces from densely populated areas in Gaza, and the release of several hostages, including women, the elderly, and the wounded, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. During this period, Palestinian civilians would return to their homes, and humanitarian aid would be increased.

In the second phase, negotiators would aim to secure the release of all remaining hostages, including male soldiers, and achieve Israel’s complete withdrawal from Gaza. The temporary cease-fire would then become permanent. The third phase involves the extensive reconstruction of Gaza, which has been heavily damaged by the ongoing conflict.

Despite Biden’s endorsement, the proposal has not led to significant progress. Israel is particularly concerned about the potential for prolonged negotiations that could indefinitely extend the cease-fire. Hamas, on the other hand, fears that Israel might resume military operations once the most vulnerable hostages are released, a concern exacerbated by recent comments from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Further complicating matters, both sides have introduced additional demands. Israel has reportedly sought to maintain control of certain strategic areas in Gaza, such as the Philadelphi corridor along the Egyptian border, and has requested veto power over the Palestinian prisoners to be released. Hamas has rejected these demands, along with Israel’s request for a list of the hostages who are still alive.

The talks were further destabilized last month when Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran, in what is widely believed to have been an Israeli attack. The assassination, which occurred shortly after Israel targeted a top Hezbollah commander in Beirut, has heightened fears of a broader regional conflict involving Iran and its proxy groups, such as Hezbollah. This escalation has shifted international focus away from efforts to secure a cease-fire.

Both Netanyahu and Hamas’ new leader, Yahya Sinwar, have reasons to continue the conflict. Netanyahu faces pressure from his far-right coalition partners, who have threatened to topple his government if he agrees to a cease-fire. For Hamas, the war has generated international condemnation of Israel, and Sinwar himself could be at risk if hostilities cease.

In a related development, the U.S. has approved the sale of $20 billion worth of military equipment to Israel, including F-15 fighter jets and other arms. While some deliveries are expected to begin in 2026, the full order, including the fighter jets, may not be completed until 2029. U.S. officials have emphasized the importance of maintaining Israel’s military capabilities, despite the ongoing conflict.

As the situation remains tense, the potential for a resolution appears distant, with the war in Gaza continuing to cause widespread devastation and a growing humanitarian crisis.