Post the Iran war, Hamas seemed desperate for a ceasefire. But then they gained a huge win: The world began putting heavy pressure on Israel to agree to a ceasefire. Now, with the ceasefire deal over, what comes next?

By Mrs. Bruria Efune

It seems like negotiations for a hostage-ceasefire deal are over.

Post the Iran war, Hamas seemed desperate for a ceasefire. But then they gained a huge win: The world began putting heavy pressure on Israel to agree to a ceasefire. The biggest wins for Hamas:

(1) The UK led 28 countries to demand a ceasefire in Gaza—putting all the pressure on Israel, and none on Hamas to surrender or release the hostages.

(2) Media flooded with reports of a severe famine in Gaza, while the UN falsely claimed that Israel was blocking the entry of humanitarian aid. All anger is being directed at Israel. In reality, nearly a thousand trucks worth of aid were sitting and waiting for UN aid organizations to deliver, and the IDF offered five secure delivery routes. (After pressure, today the UN began delivering some of the aid).

(3) Media began freely repeating Hamas claims that the IDF is shooting at Gaza civilians who go to receive aid from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The GHF and IDF deny any occurrence of this happening—but Hamas did fire a rocket towards one of the GHF distribution sites. The rocket fell just 250 meters short. Hamas sees the GHF as a threat and wants it shut down.

(4) France’s Emmanuel Macron announced his intention to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian State and encouraged other countries to do the same.

To Hamas, these are all significant accomplishments, worth the destruction of Gaza. So at the end of the week, they returned a counterproposal to the last ceasefire offer, with requests which both Israel and the U.S. see as completely unacceptable.

At the core, Hamas demanded that on the 61st day of the ceasefire, Israel agree to completely stop fighting Hamas in Gaza, regardless of whether Hamas agrees to any conditions or not. In other words: A guarantee for Hamas to continue ruling Gaza, with the ability to attack Israel again. And even still, 10 living hostages would remain captive in Gaza.

Pay attention to these responses for a hint as to what’s next:

First came U.S. Envoy, Steve Witkoff:
“We have decided to bring our team home from Doha for consultations after the latest response from Hamas, which clearly shows a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire in Gaza. While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith. We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza. It is a shame that Hamas has acted in this selfish way. We are resolute in seeking an end to this conflict and a permanent peace in Gaza.

Then from Prime Minister Netanyahu:
“Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff got it right. Hamas is the obstacle to a hostage release deal. Together with our U.S. allies, we are now considering alternative options to bring our hostages home, end Hamas’s terror rule, and secure lasting peace for Israel and our region.”

Then from US President Trump in response to questions:
“Hamas didn’t really want to make a deal. I think they want to die, and it’s very very bad. And it got to be to a point where you’re gonna have to finish the job… Don’t forget, we got a lot of hostages out, so now we’re down to the final hostages, and they know what happens after you get the final hostages, and basically because of that they really didn’t want to make a deal, I saw that… They [Israelis] are going to have to fight, and they’re going to have to clean it up and get rid of them.”

Some ideas of what this could mean:

• Still another method to pressure or scare Hamas into agreeing to a deal—although chances are low here.
• The IDF will now focus on military operations, and even attempts to rescue hostages militarily.
• Israel will begin building a protected humanitarian area in Gaza to separate Hamas from civilians.
• Some other foreign interventions may be used, such as putting pressure on Qatar or Iran to get the hostages out.

The IDF does have plans in place to advance militarily, and from the very start of the war has been constantly developing rescue plans to be ready in case an opportunity arises. These plans come with risks, and the IDF and government will now have to decide if they are worthwhile.

Based on my own sources, I suggest we all use the power of this Shabbat, which is also Rosh Chodesh (this first day of the new month on the Jewish calendar, considered a special day), and pray for the success and safety of the IDF and hostages. May our leaders be granted the wisdom to make the right choices, and our soldiers the strength to succeed.

Shabbat Shalom, and Chodesh Tov!

Sponsored anonymously: Praying for all of Am Yisrael! Your “family” in Florida.