After nearly 21 months of bitter fighting in Gaza, reports suggest Israel and Hamas may be edging closer to a 60-day ceasefire deal – or at least circling it warily. Talks mediated by the US, Qatar and Egypt have resumed, raising hopes of a temporary pause, or even a broader framework for peace. President Trump claimed that Israel has agreed to a deal, although Prime Minister Netanyahu has so far maintained ambiguity.

The debate in Israel is unfolding under mounting pressure. Israelis desperately want the remaining hostages released. They are also worried that the war is becoming a slow war of attrition, reminiscent of the 15-year long, costly war against Hezbollah, which bore limited achievements. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) also warned that continued fighting risks endangering the lives of hostages.

The details of the ceasefire agreement are not fully known at this point. It would likely include the phased release of hostages held in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, as well as a possible IDF retreat from some areas. But the deeper question is whether such a deal marks........

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