Progress Reported in Gaza Ceasefire Talks

Negotiations between Israel and Hamas over a ceasefire in Gaza have entered a more hopeful phase, according to regional sources, as Israel signals flexibility over its military deployments in the south of the enclave. The talks, aimed at reaching a 60-day ceasefire, continue amid ongoing Israeli military operations and rising civilian casualties.

Israeli Flexibility Raises Hopes for Ceasefire

An informed regional security source told CNN that Israel is now prepared to withdraw forces from the Morag corridor in Gaza’s south, a move that could help break a deadlock in ceasefire negotiations with Hamas. The Morag corridor, a military buffer zone established by Israel in April to divide Gaza and exert pressure on Hamas, has been a key obstacle in the talks.

The corridor, which runs between Khan Younis and Rafah, is named after a former Israeli settlement and was designed to isolate southern Gaza. Israeli officials are now reportedly prepared to dismantle this zone to facilitate an agreement on a temporary ceasefire.

“This development signals a shift in Israel’s approach to the negotiations,” a source said, describing increased optimism among mediators after weeks of impasse.

Stalemate Over Troop Locations Persists

While this Israeli flexibility marks progress, the broader dispute over the future positioning of Israeli forces in Gaza remains unresolved. Hamas insists on a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from the territory as a condition for any ceasefire, a demand Israel has thus far resisted.

Israeli officials, according to political sources, have introduced new conditions during recent talks, seeking security guarantees in exchange for reducing their military footprint. Despite this, there is a growing belief among negotiators that a phased withdrawal could satisfy both sides, paving the way for broader agreements in the future.

60-Day Ceasefire Plan in Sight

The proposed ceasefire would last for 60 days, offering a much-needed respite from the ongoing fighting that has devastated Gaza and caused significant civilian casualties. Humanitarian organizations have called for such a pause to allow aid delivery and infrastructure repair, particularly in areas heavily damaged by Israeli strikes.

The ceasefire plan is seen as a stepping stone toward more durable arrangements but remains fragile as long as the core disagreements over troop presence and future military actions persist.

Continued Violence Complicates Negotiations

Despite the talks, military operations in Gaza have not ceased. Israeli airstrikes continue to target what it claims are Hamas military assets, while casualties among Palestinians, including women and children, continue to mount. This ongoing violence risks undermining the fragile trust needed to secure a ceasefire.

Observers note that with rising civilian death tolls and mounting international pressure, both sides have incentives to reach at least a temporary halt to hostilities, though the path forward remains fraught with political and military risks.