Israeli officials were reportedly blindsided by US President Donald Trump’s optimistic prediction that a ceasefire in Gaza could be reached “as early as next week.” According to senior figures involved in the ongoing negotiations, no such breakthrough appears to be imminent.

“There is no indication of flexibility on Hamas’s part—and no change in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s position,” Israeli officials cited by Hebrew media said, casting Trump’s statement as more of a “wishful projection” than a reflection of the current reality. Negotiators in Jerusalem expressed surprise at the announcement, which they were not briefed on in advance.

According to Hamas sources cited in Asharq Al-Awsat, indirect talks in Doha and Cairo are described as “serious,” particularly with growing US involvement. Still, they warned that even a partial agreement would likely take two to three weeks to formulate. A likely scenario involves a 60-day temporary ceasefire under a US-mediated humanitarian protocol. However, Hamas continues to insist on its core demands: a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, lifting of the blockade, and full reconstruction of the Strip.

Meanwhile, families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza spoke out emotionally in Tel Aviv following the end of hostilities with Iran. Einav Tsangaoker, mother of hostage Matan, pleaded, “If he doesn’t come home now, he’ll die in captivity… the hostages are living on borrowed time.”

Other parents echoed similar messages. Yehuda Cohen, father of Nimrod Cohen, demanded a comprehensive deal without delays or partial releases. “Israel must send a message to every soldier—if you fall into enemy hands, we’ll do everything to bring you back. That’s not a slogan.”

Despite intense pressure from families, officials say Hamas remains entrenched in its position, and Israel has not softened its stance on ending the war. Hamas is in essence demanding terms that would enable it to retain control of Gaza, remain fully armed, and declare victory by securing the release of thousands of jailed terrorists. For Israel, these are all red lines. Efforts to present a “grand bargain” combining a ceasefire, hostage deal, and normalization with Arab states have reportedly not been formally discussed between US and Israeli leadership.

Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer is set to visit Washington on Monday, where Israeli officials hope to gain clarity on the White House’s concrete plans—if any exist.

As for Netanyahu’s own trip to the US, it has reportedly been postponed to late July amid political uncertainty. No final date has been set.

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