Intense diplomatic efforts are currently focused on securing a temporary ceasefire in Gaza, according to senior Hamas official Taher Al-Nounou and a US source close to the negotiations told Al Manassa. Mediators from Egypt and Qatar are involved in talks aimed at ending Israel’s military offensive and preparing for long-term peace.
Despite the momentum, no meetings have yet been scheduled in Cairo or Doha. Al-Nounou said, attributing this to “Israeli intransigence” and a perceived lack of genuine commitment to ending the war. He further confirmed that the mediation role of Palestinian-American academic Bishara Bahbah had concluded, with Egypt and Qatar now leading the efforts exclusively.
A US official familiar with the discussions told Al Manassa that Egyptian and Qatari intermediaries are pressuring Hamas to accept a temporary truce. This truce, the official noted, would “set the stage for ending the war,” a core condition that Hamas continues to demand.
According to the anonymous source, proposals include American and regional assurances to genuinely pursue a permanent ceasefire. Such a move, however, presents a significant challenge for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces internal threats to his coalition if he endorses it.
Indeed, far-right ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich have voiced staunch opposition to any deal that would imply an end to the war.
The US official further suggested that a narrow political window might emerge next month during Israel’s Knesset summer recess, which could potentially ease domestic pressure on Netanyahu. The official also noted that the administration of US President Donald Trump is actively attempting to shield Netanyahu from his ongoing corruption trial.
Trump has previously condemned Netanyahu’s prosecution, as “insanity”, asserting that it undermines efforts to reach deals on Gaza and Iran.
A senior Egyptian official involved in the ceasefire push clarified to Al Manassa that Cairo is not pressuring Hamas but acting “in line with Egypt’s historical role and commitment to the Palestinian cause.” He added that recent talks have focused on practical scenarios for halting the violence and persuading both sides to agree.
Some proposals from other parties have been unrealistic and difficult to implement, the source said, without elaborating.
Egypt supports restoring Palestinian Authority governance in Gaza, he added, stressing that any such move must reflect consensus among Palestinian factions.
Last Sunday, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty announced that a ceasefire agreement is in the works. This agreement, he stated, includes a proposed 60-day truce followed by a reconstruction conference for Gaza. Concurrently, Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated that freeing the captives remains his highest priority.
Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has killed 56,500 people and injured 133,419 since Oct. 7, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.
