Post-War Window Opens: Gaza Ceasefire Talks Advance After Israel-Iran Campaign
Following the 12-day Israel-Iran war and subsequent ceasefire on June 24, 2025, Hamas claims significant progress in Gaza ceasefire talks, with Egypt and Qatar intensifying efforts to broker a deal that could secure the release of 50 hostages. U.S. President Trump and regional mediators suggest that the recent strikes on Iran may create a strategic opportunity to advance negotiations and end the Gaza conflict.
Today, Hamas sources reported significant progress in Gaza ceasefire negotiations, following the conclusion of the 12-day Israel-Iran war with a ceasefire on June 24. The Saudi channel Al-Hadath indicated that talks have intensified in recent hours, driven by Egypt and Qatar’s renewed diplomatic efforts. The Israel-Iran war, which saw U.S.-supported strikes cripple Iran’s nuclear and military capabilities, has created a potential window for advancing a Gaza deal, particularly for the release of 50 hostages held by Hamas.
U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking at the NATO summit in The Hague, linked the Iran strikes to progress in Gaza, stating, “The strike in Iran will help facilitate the release of hostages from Gaza, something which U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff told me is very close.” However, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, noted on June 24 that the Israel-Iran war had previously disrupted Gaza ceasefire efforts, expressing hope to resume talks within two days. Egyptian officials, coordinating with Qatar, are crafting new proposals to present to Israel and Hamas, with indirect negotiations expected to restart in Cairo soon. Hamas has signalled a positive stance toward joining these talks.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum urged immediate action, stating, “The ceasefire agreement must expand to include Gaza. Ending the operation in Iran without using it to bring home all the hostages would be a grave political failure. This is a historic window of opportunity, and the Israeli government must seize it with both hands.” The Forum added, “Now is the time to push with full force for a comprehensive deal that will return all 50 hostages at once and end the war with the return of the last hostage, without selection or categorization. This is what the people of Israel yearn for; it is the only thing separating us from a complete Israeli victory.”
Egyptian sources suggest that Iran’s missile attacks on Israel, which caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure, may soften Israel’s stance on a prisoner exchange and humanitarian aid to Gaza. The push for a ceasefire follows Israel’s strategic gains against Iran, including the elimination of IRGC leaders, which may weaken Hamas’s regional support. As mediators work to capitalize on this momentum, the coming days will be critical for securing a lasting Gaza truce.