On July 9, Hamas announced its agreement to release ten Israeli captives to facilitate a proposed ceasefire, though it insists that Israeli forces must withdraw from Gaza and allow unimpeded humanitarian aid for any truce to hold. The announcement came amid ongoing negotiations mediated by Qatar, with U.S. President Donald Trump expressing optimism—stating there’s a “very good chance” a deal could be reached this week or next.

Observers say critical sticking points remain: confirming the identities and health of the hostages, defining Israeli withdrawal boundaries, and establishing mechanisms to ensure the ceasefire endures beyond an initial 60-day period.

Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes and shelling persisted across Gaza. At least 74 Palestinians were killed on Wednesday, including civilians gathered at humanitarian aid sites. Overcrowding at hospitals and shortages of fuel and food are worsening the humanitarian crisis .

In Washington, Netanyahu and Trump met to coordinate on hostage release and diplomatic strategy, emphasizing their shared goal of dismantling Hamas’s military infrastructure.

Even as diplomats talk of a potential truce, civilians in Gaza continue to suffer under relentless bombing, deepening the urgency and fragility of a possible ceasefire.