Hamas has publicly reiterated that it will not agree to disarm until a fully sovereign Palestinian state is established, with East Jerusalem as its capital, according to Reuters. The statement, issued in early August, directly counters claims from US envoy Steve Witkoff that the group had shown willingness to lay down its weapons.
Israel views Hamas’ disarmament as one of several non-negotiable conditions for any ceasefire. However, the group argues that disarming without statehood would mean surrendering its right to resist occupation, which it frames as both a national and legal entitlement.
This disagreement has brought indirect ceasefire talks—mediated by Qatar and Egypt—to a standstill. Proposals involving temporary truces, hostage exchanges, and humanitarian aid corridors remain in limbo as both sides hold firm to conflicting preconditions.
Recently, there have been numerous efforts to broker a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. But what does that really mean? Also known as a truce or armistice, a "ceasefire" refers to a temporary halt in hostilities, during which each side negotiates terms to pause the conflict and take steps to de-escalate tensions. So, what exactly is a ceasefire—and how does it actually work?
Click through for a better understanding.