Context:

The Israeli military has issued evacuation orders for parts of Gaza City as it prepares to expand operations amid calls for a cease-fire. President Trump has urged Israel and Hamas to reach an agreement, though no significant progress has been reported in negotiations. Prime Minister Netanyahu faces pressure to secure a deal that would involve releasing hostages taken by Hamas, while his ongoing corruption trial has been delayed due to national security concerns. Despite suggestions of a potential agreement, direct negotiations between Israel and Hamas remain stagnant, with no Israeli teams dispatched to mediating countries. The conflict, ignited by a Hamas attack in October 2023, continues to be one of the deadliest, with negotiations for a cease-fire hindered by unresolved demands from both sides.

Dive Deeper:

• The Israeli military has announced broad evacuation orders for Gaza City neighborhoods as it plans to intensify operations, with residents instructed to move south. This comes as international calls for a cease-fire, including from President Trump, have increased, but the intentions behind the evacuations remain unclear.

• President Trump has publicly pressured for an agreement between Israel and Hamas, particularly emphasizing the release of hostages still held by Hamas. Despite his optimism, no concrete advancements have been made in the cease-fire talks, and the two sides remain far apart on the terms of a potential deal.

• Prime Minister Netanyahu is under increasing domestic pressure to end the conflict, which has lasted over 630 days, by negotiating a cease-fire that would see hostages released. His corruption trial has been temporarily postponed due to national security concerns, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing situation.

• Negotiations have been stagnant, with no Israeli negotiation teams sent to countries like Qatar and Egypt, which traditionally mediate such conflicts. Although there is speculation about possible high-level secret discussions, the lack of visible progress suggests significant hurdles remain.

• The conflict, which began with a Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023, has resulted in substantial casualties, with over 56,000 reported dead in Gaza. The negotiations are complicated by Hamas's demands for a complete Israeli withdrawal and Israel's insistence on Hamas's disarmament and leadership exile.