Just hours before Israeli negotiators were set to arrive in Qatar for indirect talks aimed at securing a ceasefire and the release of hostages still held in the Gaza Strip, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labeled the latest demands from Hamas as “unacceptable.” According to a statement released by Netanyahu’s office, “The modifications that Hamas seeks to the Qatari proposal were communicated to us last night (05.07.2025) and are unacceptable to Israel.”
Nonetheless, following an assessment of the situation, Netanyahu “authorized our delegation to respond to the invitation for indirect negotiations and continue efforts to recover our hostages based on the Qatari proposal that Israel has accepted,” the statement clarified, noting that the Israeli negotiation team would travel to Qatar for talks on Sunday.
Hamas announced on Friday its willingness to begin negotiations over a ceasefire proposal backed by the United States and transmitted through Qatar and Egypt. According to two Palestinian sources, the proposal includes a 60-day ceasefire during which Hamas would release 10 living hostages and hand over some hostage remains in exchange for the release of Palestinians imprisoned in Israel.
Palestinian sources also indicated that Hamas is demanding the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, guarantees against renewed hostilities during negotiations, and the transfer of humanitarian aid distribution responsibilities to the UN and recognized international organizations.
U.S. President Donald Trump, who is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday, expressed optimism that a deal between Israel and Hamas could be reached “within the next week.”