Netanyahu Sets Preconditions for Lasting Gaza Truce as Talks Progress in Qatar
July 10, 2025 — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that any permanent ceasefire agreement in Gaza hinges on Hamas disarming and stepping down from its leadership role in the territory. His remarks come amid ongoing negotiations in Qatar aimed at brokering a temporary truce.
Speaking in a video message from Washington, Netanyahu stated:
“If these objectives can be achieved through diplomacy, that would be ideal. But if not, we will pursue them through military action with the strength of our armed forces.”
Ceasefire Talks Continue
Negotiations are underway in Doha as part of a U.S.-led push to implement a 60-day truce between Israel and the Palestinian resistance group. U.S. President Donald Trump has been actively engaged in efforts to reach a deal.
Netanyahu indicated that the temporary ceasefire could lead to a longer-term agreement—but only if Israel’s conditions are met. Otherwise, he warned, the conflict would continue.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar commented that although some progress has been made, significant gaps remain. In an interview with Die Presse, Saar outlined part of the tentative exchange agreement:
“The plan includes the release of eight hostages initially, followed by two more on the 50th day, and Hamas has agreed to return the remains of 18 others.”
Saar also noted that Israel may allow Hamas leadership to leave Gaza safely if that helps secure a deal.
Hamas Demands Full Withdrawal
Meanwhile, senior Hamas official Bassem Naim reiterated the group’s demands: a complete Israeli military withdrawal, unrestricted humanitarian access, and international guarantees for a lasting peace.
Naim also rejected the idea of turning Gaza into disconnected zones under Israeli oversight, and criticized the current U.S.- and Israeli-backed aid system, which he claims has led to civilian casualties.
Mounting Civilian Casualties
In the latest attack, 17 Palestinians—including eight children—were reported killed outside a medical clinic in Deir al Balah. The Gaza Civil Defence agency attributed the strike to Israeli forces. Eyewitness Yousef Al-Aydi described the chaos:
“The earth shook and within seconds, everything turned into blood and screams.”
The NGO Project Hope, which runs the clinic, condemned the incident as a violation of humanitarian law.
Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, ongoing since October 2023, has resulted in the deaths of more than 57,500 Palestinians, according to local reports—most of them women and children. An additional 11,000 are feared trapped under destroyed buildings, with unofficial estimates suggesting the actual death toll could exceed 200,000.
International Legal Pressure
Israel continues to face mounting international scrutiny. In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Additionally, Israel is being tried at the International Court of Justice over genocide allegations brought forward by South Africa.
Despite criticism over rising civilian casualties, the United States has maintained its military support for Israel, providing over $22 billion in aid since the conflict began—on top of its annual $3.8 billion assistance package.
