Israel debates new ceasefire deal as Gaza cafe strike kills 30

Israel’s cabinet is discussing various options, including a truce with Hamas, the release of the hostages, and withdrawal of Israeli troops from much of Gaza.

At least 30 people were said to have been killed in an air strike on a beachfront cafe in Gaza City, as Israel’s government debates a new a ceasefire deal with Hamas.

Dozens of Palestinians were killed across Gaza, the Hamas-run health ministry reported, as Israel issued evacuation orders in the north and south in advance of “intensified” operations “towards the centre” of Gaza City.

At least 58 people were killed, the health authorities said, including those who died in an Israeli air strike on Al-Baqa Cafeteria, a beachfront cafe in Gaza City once used by activists and journalists.

They said that another 11 Palestinians were killed while waiting for food to be distributed, the latest among 500 Gazans reported to have died this way, hungry and desperate, since Israel took over control of aid distribution.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, has convened his cabinet to discuss a potential ceasefire with Hamas as he attempts to bring about a consensus among divided ministers. In meetings on Sunday, the military told security officials it had nearly completed its mission: to fully occupy the Gaza Strip and clear out the last vestiges of Palestinian militants.

The cabinet is thought to be discussing various options, including a truce with Hamas, the release of the hostages, and withdrawal of Israeli troops from much of Gaza, with the exception of defined buffer zones and corridors designed to prevent any repeat of the massacres of October 7, 2023. Full occupation of the Strip is also on the table.

President Trump appears to be pushing for a ceasefire and hostage deal, posting on Truth Social on Saturday: “Netanyahu is negotiating a deal with Hamas that will include the release of the hostages.” On Sunday, he added in capitals: “MAKE THE DEAL IN GAZA. GET THE HOSTAGES BACK!!!”

On the same day, Netanyahu said that the war with Iran had created “opportunities” to free the hostages. Riding high on his declared success in the fight against Iran’s nuclear and missile program, the Israeli prime minister may see this as an ideal opportunity to strike a deal with Hamas, despite dissenting voices in his cabinet demanding an escalation in fighting.

Ron Dermer, Israel’s strategic affairs minister and Netanyahu confidant, was expected to meet officials in the White House to discuss a plan for a ceasefire and a wider peace. Netanyahu is expected to travel to Washington to meet Trump on Saturday.

There has been no indication whether Netanyahu and Trump have in mind a temporary, limited ceasefire, or whether a more permanent peace settlement is up for discussion. However, for the first time, Netanyahu suggested freeing the hostages – rather than eliminating Hamas – was the primary goal of the war.

Speaking at Shin Bet headquarters in southern Israel, he said: “First of all, to rescue the hostages. Of course, we will also have to solve the Gaza issue, to defeat Hamas, but I estimate that we will achieve both tasks.”

Netanyahu’s apparent reordering of priorities comes as he weighs a new election season, his posters lining Israel’s highways. He may conclude a touted victory in Iran and much-called-for release of the remaining hostages is a good starting point for his campaign.

The last Gaza ceasefire was torn up in February after six weeks when Israel resumed fighting. Hamas has previously held out for a permanent end to the war, but is under pressure to either agree to a temporary truce and the release of Palestinian prisoners in return for the hostages, or watch Gaza fall to Israeli occupation once again.

The Times