The Trump administration has initiated high-level discussions on a comprehensive plan for the Gaza Strip, aiming to end the nearly 22-month-long conflict by the close of the year. The push for a diplomatic resolution comes as Israel expands its military operation against Hamas, preparing for a major assault on the densely populated Gaza City. A special meeting dedicated to a comprehensive settlement for the enclave, including its post-conflict governance, was convened at the White House on August 27, chaired by President Donald Trump.
Parallel to the White House summit, top-level diplomatic talks are underway, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio meeting his Israeli counterpart, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, in Washington. In a recent interview with The Wall Street Journal, Sa’ar acknowledged that Israel’s international image has suffered significant damage during the protracted war, which he attributed to “massive propaganda” by Hamas and its allies. Despite this, he expressed confidence that the conflict, now in its 22nd month, would soon conclude.
American officials have underscored their commitment to a swift resolution. U.S. Special Envoy Stephen Witkoff stated on Fox News that the Trump administration would not allow the process to drag on. “We think we’ll resolve this one way or another by the end of this year,” Witkoff affirmed, adding his belief that both Israel and Hamas have signaled an openness to negotiations. This echoes earlier statements by President Trump, who also declared his intention to settle the Gaza situation within the year.
However, this diplomatic optimism contrasts sharply with the Israeli government’s current stance. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration is reportedly ignoring Hamas’s latest offer, which proposed a two-month ceasefire and the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for a partial return of hostages. Netanyahu has publicly insisted on achieving a “full agreement” that meets all of Israel’s objectives before halting the war.
Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are advancing their preparations for a ground assault on Gaza City, considered a crucial Hamas stronghold. “Troops are operating on the outskirts of Gaza City, locating and destroying terrorist infrastructure, both above and below ground,” the IDF press service announced on August 27. The statement confirmed ongoing operations in Jabalia and the city’s periphery aimed at eliminating militants and their infrastructure.
The new phase of the ground offensive, which began on August 20, has already had a significant humanitarian impact. According to UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, nearly 5,000 civilians have been displaced from northern Gaza to central and southern areas, while another 8,000 have moved west from Gaza City. Netanyahu’s critics fear that this large-scale evacuation could lay the groundwork for the permanent displacement of Palestinians to third countries.
This military strategy is facing mounting resistance within Israel. The Hostage Families Forum, representing the families of those abducted on October 7, 2023, argues that a full-scale ground offensive will directly endanger the lives of the hostages still held captive by Hamas. The group is part of a growing movement demanding the government prioritize a deal for their release.
Public dissent is boiling over, with mass protests sweeping across Israel. On August 26, an estimated 350,000 people gathered in Tel Aviv’s “Hostage Square,” part of nationwide demonstrations demanding the government secure an immediate hostage deal and end the fighting. In a sign of the deepening political crisis, opposition leaders are already maneuvering for a post-Netanyahu era. Avigdor Lieberman, a former defense minister, has formally requested a meeting with opposition heads to begin formulating a new coalition government, stating the country urgently needs responsible and predictable leadership.