The United States is reportedly pivoting its strategy on the Gaza conflict, pushing for a comprehensive, all-encompassing agreement between Israel and Hamas amid stalled negotiations. This new approach, a significant shift from previous efforts, aims to secure the release of all Israeli hostages captured during the October 7th attack in exchange for a complete and total ceasefire. This American initiative unfolds against a backdrop of intense internal division within Israel’s ruling coalition, where right-wing elements are advocating for the full seizure of the Gaza Strip and the assertion of Israeli sovereignty over the territory.
A senior U.S. envoy recently informed Israeli hostage families in Tel Aviv that Washington now believes a single, definitive deal is the only viable path forward. According to reports, the diplomat stated that the U.S. administration sees phased agreements as unworkable and is now championing an “all-or-nothing” framework designed to bring everyone home simultaneously. While details of the plan remain undisclosed, Israeli officials have acknowledged a shared understanding with the U.S. that the new focus must be on a comprehensive solution that includes the release of all hostages and the complete disarmament and demilitarization of Hamas.
The strategic reassessment comes as Hamas has effectively paused its participation in the diplomatic process. The group attributes its withdrawal from talks to the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, arguing that no meaningful diplomacy can occur until the dire situation on the ground is addressed. U.S. officials have expressed that this stance has completely deadlocked negotiations at a time when political pressure on Israel is mounting over the humanitarian plight of Palestinians. In response, the White House is reportedly working on an enhanced plan to increase the delivery of food and aid to prevent a further catastrophe.
Hamas has publicly reaffirmed its core positions, stating unequivocally that it will not surrender its weapons, which it considers a legitimate right of resistance against occupation. The group’s leadership declared that disarmament is off the table until its national rights are achieved, foremost among them the establishment of a fully sovereign, independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. This unwavering stance presents a fundamental obstacle to the framework being advanced by the United States, Israel, and intermediary Arab nations.
Meanwhile, the Israeli government is navigating severe internal political crosscurrents. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces growing pressure from his far-right coalition partners, who are emboldened by the prospect of escalating military operations. This hardline faction is openly pushing for options that include the permanent annexation of Gaza. This was starkly illustrated when Israel’s National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, made a provocative visit to Jerusalem’s Temple Mount, a flashpoint holy site for both Jews and Muslims.
From the sensitive site, Ben-Gvir issued a call for the complete military conquest of Gaza and the establishment of Israeli sovereignty over the entire sector, framing it as the only path to victory and the return of the hostages. His actions drew immediate condemnation from Arab countries and prompted the Prime Minister’s office to issue a statement insisting that its policy regarding the Temple Mount’s status quo had not changed, highlighting the delicate balance Netanyahu must strike between his international allies and his domestic political partners.