World map: Israel has proposed a new scheme for the withdrawal of troops from Gaza

Israel and Hamas, as part of negotiations on a 60-day truce in the Gaza Strip, began discussing a new plan for the withdrawal of the IDF military from the exclave. After Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington and the intensification of airstrikes on Gaza, the parties have signaled their willingness to compromise, but key differences remain. In particular, Israel is ready to significantly reduce, but not eliminate, its military presence on the border with Egypt and in Rafah, while creating a two-kilometer "security zone" there. And Hamas insists on the plan proposed by the Qatari mediators: according to it, all IDF forces are withdrawn from the strip to a buffer zone 400-700 meters wide on the Gaza-Israel border. On July 9, the Palestinian movement announced its readiness to hand over 10 Israeli hostages, explaining its desire to give momentum to the protracted negotiations.

IDF deployment in Gaza during the truce

Negotiations between Israel and Hamas on the terms of the truce in the Gaza Strip focus on the deployment of Israeli troops on the territory of the exclave and the distribution of humanitarian aid. According to the Jerusalem Post, Israel has already presented its third deployment map for the period of the proposed 60-day ceasefire, offering greater flexibility in deploying troops, especially along the border with Egypt.

The new version of the map provides for a significant reduction in the military presence on the southern border in the area between the Morag corridors (between Rafah and Khan Yunis) and Philadelphia (on the border with Egypt). Israel is proposing to create a two-kilometer "security zone" along the border near Rafah, reducing its grouping in the area.

According to Al-Quds Al-Arabi, in the earlier stages, the Israeli side insisted on maintaining troops in a number of zones deep inside the sector, including in the north and around the Netzarim corridor in the center. But now, according to media reports, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has demonstrated a "more flexible position" in an attempt to conclude a hostage exchange deal, which is reflected in the new map proposed by Israel.

Hamas, in turn, is categorically opposed to maintaining Israeli forces in the Morag corridor, a strategic strip crossing Gaza from east to west. According to the Palestinian movement, the presence of the military in the area will prevent the return of about 400,000 Palestinians to Rafah. During consultations in Doha, Hamas representatives expressed their willingness to return to discussing the plan proposed by the Qatari mediators: it involves the withdrawal of all IDF forces currently in the strip to a 400-700-wide buffer zone along the Israel-Gaza border.

According to the BBC, Hamas has lost control of about 80% of the strip's territory: the movement's command infrastructure has been destroyed as a result of months of Israeli airstrikes. The IDF, in turn, claims to control about 65% of Gaza, made possible by increased operations on the ground and in the air.

Palestinian expert Hani Salah noted in an interview with Izvestia that Hamas has already taken a step forward, expressing its readiness to release 10 Israeli hostages.

— So far, only a preliminary framework document is being discussed, not a final agreement. Hamas requires clearly defined legal conditions to avoid ambiguous interpretations," the expert explained.

The Doha negotiations

High hopes for progress in the negotiations were associated with Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington on July 7. Despite the public optimism of US President Donald Trump, no specific agreements have been reached. The return of the Israeli prime minister was accompanied by one of the largest air attacks on Gaza in recent months: in 48 hours, the Israeli army attacked 250 targets, including the areas of Beit Hanoun, where five Israeli soldiers were killed earlier.

Before his visit to the United States, Netanyahu reiterated Israel's key conditions: complete demilitarization and the elimination of Hamas' infrastructure. He stressed that if this is not achieved at the negotiating table, the goals will be achieved by other means.

Tahani Mustafa, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group on Palestine, explained that the lack of a breakthrough in the negotiations is not surprising.

— All key issues remain unresolved. The expectation that Israel will give up control, which it has always maintained, simply does not correspond to reality," the expert said in an interview with Izvestia.

On July 4, President Trump announced a "positive response" from Hamas to the truce proposal. However, the Palestinian movement has expressed doubts that this truce will be sustainable and insists on international guarantees of a cease-fire. According to Hamas, the truce should not be an episode, but a step towards a complete end to the conflict.

Meanwhile, the eighth round of indirect talks between Israel and Hamas ended in Doha. According to the Israeli press, the parties have agreed on up to 90% of the parameters of the agreement, and Tel Aviv hopes for an early breakthrough. On July 9, the group announced its readiness to hand over 10 Israeli hostages as part of efforts to intensify dialogue. However, the movement stressed that serious disagreements remain, including on the provision of humanitarian supplies, the complete withdrawal of troops and the provision of guarantees from international players.

Earlier, Palestinian officials said that the Doha talks were on the verge of collapse. According to them, the Israeli delegation arrived in Qatar only to gain time against the background of Netanyahu's visit to Washington and had no real authority. In response, Israeli representatives accused Hamas of unwillingness to compromise and waging a "psychological war" aimed at delaying the negotiation process.

The Palestinian movement is still holding 50 hostages, including Maxim Kharkin, a native of Donbass. According to Israeli estimates, more than half of the detainees have already died.