Post by : Meena Ariff

Israel is preparing for a major decision this week after talks for a ceasefire with Hamas failed. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with his security cabinet to discuss what happens next.

Some top Israeli officials believe using more force in Gaza might be the only option now. Others are still hoping for a broader agreement that could bring the war to an end. The situation is tense, complicated, and uncertain for both sides.

The Failed Talks and Why They Mattered

Ceasefire talks had been happening in Doha. The goal was to agree on a 60-day truce. During this time:

• Aid would be sent into Gaza.
• Half of the hostages taken by Hamas would be released.
• In return, Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails would be freed.

This proposal was supported by the United States, but unfortunately, no final agreement was reached.

A US Envoy Visits Israel

On August 2, Steve Witkoff, a special US Middle East envoy, visited Israel. He said he was working with Israeli leaders on a plan that could end the war.

Just days earlier, on July 31, Witkoff met Netanyahu. After that meeting, a senior Israeli official said that the US and Israel were starting to agree on a new plan. That plan would focus not just on a short truce, but on a complete deal.

That deal would:

• Free all the hostages.
• Remove all weapons from Hamas.
• Take away Hamas’s military power in Gaza.

These are the three main goals Israel says must be met for the war to stop.

Israel’s Frustration Grows

After the envoy’s visit, it became clear that Israeli leaders were growing frustrated. One official said that Hamas does not seem serious about reaching any deal.

So now, Israel might give up on peace talks altogether and push harder for a military win.

The official stated that Netanyahu is ready to take stronger action and is focused on defeating Hamas by force, even if that puts pressure on the remaining 20 hostages still held in Gaza.

Possible Plans: Expanding the War

There are many different opinions inside Israel about what should happen next. One idea being considered is expanding the military offensive even more.

Some Israeli leaders even suggest:

• Taking over more parts of Gaza.
• Placing Gaza under Israeli military rule.
• Bringing back Jewish settlements that were removed 20 years ago.

These ideas are controversial. Some members of the government support them strongly, while others worry it could make things worse.

What the Military Thinks

The Israeli army has its views. Many in the military don’t agree with the idea of annexing Gaza or putting it under full military control.

Instead, the military wants to continue its operations carefully. Two defense officials said the army might soon enter parts of Gaza where it hasn’t yet operated.

The goal would be to weaken Hamas further—but there’s a major concern: the safety of the 20 hostages still believed to be alive.

Expanding the war could put those lives in greater danger.

A Lack of Clear Strategy

A top military leader has reportedly become frustrated with the political leadership. He believes there is no clear long-term strategy. He also fears that Israel could get stuck in a never-ending conflict with Hamas.

Even though the army is prepared for many different situations, some officers worry that Israel might get pulled into a “war of attrition”—a war that drags on and on with no clear victory.

One army spokesperson said the military has several options, but did not share the details publicly. The army will do whatever it takes to fight terrorism, he said.

International Proposals for Peace

While Israel and Hamas are stuck in conflict, other countries are trying to help. On July 29, Qatar and Egypt supported a new peace plan created by France and Saudi Arabia.

This plan includes:

• Moving toward a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.
• Calling on Hamas to hand over control of Gaza to the Palestinian Authority (which is supported by the West).
• Asking Hamas to give up all weapons.

Hamas has rejected the idea of giving up its weapons. But some leaders from Hamas said they are open to stepping down from governing Gaza if a new neutral leadership can be formed.

However, Hamas insists that any plans for Gaza must be decided by Palestinians, not by outside governments.

Gaps Remain Too Wide

Israel’s Foreign Minister spoke on August 4 and said the distance between what Israel wants and what Hamas wants is still too large.

He said, “We want our hostages back. We want this war to end. We prefer peace, but peace must come with the right conditions.”

So far, no one has said clearly what those final conditions will be—or how to achieve them.

What Comes Next?

The next few days are important. Netanyahu’s cabinet will meet to decide Israel’s next move. Will it:

• Try one more time for peace?
• Or give up and push forward with more military action?

For now, the only clear thing is that nothing is simple in this conflict. The war has already brought huge suffering to both sides.

And with no deal in sight, the road ahead looks just as difficult as before.