Hopes for a ceasefire in Gaza have been stalled due to deep divisions between negotiating parties over the extent of the Israeli military’s withdrawal from the besieged Palestinian enclave.
According to reports from both Palestinian and Israeli sources, indirect negotiations continue over a proposed 60-day ceasefire plan, originally put forward by the United States on Saturday. U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism about the potential progress of the talks.
However, a tragic turn of events further complicated the situation. On Saturday, a mass shooting at an aid distribution site in Rafah reportedly left 17 Palestinians dead. Gaza medics claimed that Israeli troops opened fire on civilians who were lining up to receive humanitarian aid.
Eyewitnesses reported that many victims were shot in the head and torso. A Reuters journalist confirmed seeing the shrouded bodies at Nasser Hospital, where grieving relatives gathered. The United Nations previously documented that over 800 people have died under similar circumstances in just six weeks.
The Israeli military acknowledged the incident but maintained that only warning shots were fired, claiming there was no confirmation of casualties from their end.
Negotiations, which are currently taking place in Doha, Qatar, involve delegations from both Israel and Hamas. The talks aim to reach an agreement on the gradual release of hostages, phased withdrawal of Israeli forces, and a potential roadmap toward ending the war.
Israel argues that the delay in talks is due to Hamas’s refusal to accept proposals involving Israeli withdrawal terms. Hamas, in response, insists on reverting to the territorial lines discussed in previous negotiations.
Meanwhile, the recent shooting has drawn international criticism and raised renewed concerns about humanitarian access in Gaza. Israel launched a revised aid distribution system in May—supported by the United States and guarded by Israeli troops to prevent militant groups from seizing supplies. However, the United Nations has opposed the system, citing safety and fairness concerns.
Back in Israel, thousands gathered in Tel Aviv over the weekend to demand a resolution to the conflict and the release of the remaining hostages. Demonstrators called for the government to prioritize diplomacy and bring an end to the ongoing bloodshed.
