In a significant shift, U.S. and Israeli officials are now advocating for an “all or nothing” deal to end the war in Gaza, proposing a comprehensive agreement that includes the immediate release of all remaining hostages and a ceasefire. The move abandons the previous phased plan for a temporary truce and partial hostage release.

This new approach, backed by President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was confirmed by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in a meeting with hostage families on Saturday. “No piecemeal deals, that doesn’t work,” Witkoff said. “Everybody comes home.”

Deal Faces Tough Obstacles

Despite the push, the proposal is already facing steep resistance. Hamas says it supports a comprehensive deal in principle, but flatly refuses to disarm — a core Israeli condition. “This has been our demand from the beginning: an end to the war, the release of prisoners, and day-after arrangements in the Gaza Strip,” said Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi.

Hamas maintains that disarmament is only possible if a Palestinian state is established — a condition Israel firmly rejects. Instead, Netanyahu reportedly plans to present Hamas with an ultimatum: disarm and release all hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and an end to hostilities, or face continued military operations.

Humanitarian Crisis and Rising Pressure

The push for a comprehensive agreement comes amid growing outrage over Gaza’s deepening humanitarian catastrophe. With starvation spreading rapidly, over 60,000 Palestinians — including thousands of children — have died since the war began, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Israeli strikes continue even as some aid is allowed through.

On Sunday, the Palestine Red Crescent Society reported an Israeli shell hit its office in Khan Younis, killing one staffer. The Israeli military has not commented on the incident.

Public pressure in Israel is also intensifying following the release of videos showing emaciated hostages. Families and the broader public are increasingly skeptical of the government’s ability to negotiate a resolution under its current hard-line stance.

Growing Uncertainty

Analysts remain doubtful that the new “all or nothing” approach will lead to a breakthrough. “Hamas is essentially saying to Israel: ‘If you want the 20 living hostages out, give us a full victory,’” said Ehud Yaari of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. “That’s far beyond what Netanyahu will accept.”

For now, the standoff continues with no clear path to resolution, as both sides cling to irreconcilable terms amid immense human suffering.