Sat Jul 12 23:42:00 UTC 2025: ## News Article: Gaza Ceasefire Talks Stalled Amid Accusations and Ongoing Violence
**Gaza City – July 13, 2025** – Ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel remain at a standstill as both sides trade accusations of sabotaging efforts to end the 21-month conflict in Gaza. The indirect talks, held in Qatar, are reportedly struggling due to disagreements over the presence of Israeli troops in the territory.
A Palestinian source claims Israel’s proposal to maintain troops within Gaza is hindering a 60-day ceasefire. Conversely, an Israeli official accuses Hamas of inflexibility and deliberate attempts to derail the agreement.
On the ground, the situation remains dire. Gaza’s civil defense agency reported over 20 deaths on Saturday, including civilians killed in overnight airstrikes. Witnesses described horrific scenes of families torn apart by explosions. Hospitals in southern Gaza are overwhelmed with the injured, transported by any means available.
In Tel Aviv, thousands protested, demanding the government secure a hostage release deal. Both Hamas and Israel have suggested that 10 hostages could be released if an agreement is reached, potentially paving the way for further talks on a permanent cessation of hostilities.
However, fundamental disagreements persist. Hamas is demanding a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, a condition Israel is reportedly unwilling to accept. Mediators have reportedly asked both sides to postpone discussions until the arrival of U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff.
Reports indicate that Israel is proposing to maintain a military presence in over 40% of the Palestinian territory. Hamas has rejected these proposed maps, claiming they legitimize the reoccupation of Gaza.
Israeli officials, however, maintain that Hamas’s intransigence is the primary obstacle to progress.
The conflict, which began with Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel, has resulted in a staggering loss of life. At least 1,219 people in Israel, mostly civilians, and over 57,882 Palestinians in Gaza, also predominantly civilians, have been killed, according to reports. Dozens of Israeli hostages remain in captivity.
The Israeli military reported attacking approximately 250 targets in Gaza in the past 48 hours, focusing on Hamas infrastructure. Previous ceasefires have led to the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and some progress has been made in the current talks regarding aid to Gaza. However, Prime Minister Netanyahu has reiterated that dismantling Hamas as a security threat remains a prerequisite for any long-term ceasefire.
First Piper 