U.S. Plans to Pressure Israeli Minister to End Gaza War, Reports Say

6 hours ago 2

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Strategic Affairs Minister of Israel Ron Dermer, who will be visiting the United States capital, Washington, DC on Monday, June 30, 2025, is expected to face pressure to achieve a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange agreement in the Gaza Strip, according to Israeli press reports as cited by Anadolu.

The Israeli newspaper Haaretz, citing White House senior officials, reported that senior officials from U.S. President Donald Trump's team will pressure Dermer to reach an agreement on "ending the attacks on Gaza and returning the remaining prisoners."

It was also reported that U.S. officials will inform Dermer that Israel's demand to "eliminating Hamas" should be postponed in the future.

Trump, who announced the end of the Israel-Iran conflict on June 23 with a ceasefire that began on June 24 after 12 days of battle, delivered a message that read, "Make a deal in Gaza, bring back the (Israeli) hostages," which was interpreted as a message to Netanyahu.

The Yedioth Ahronoth daily also reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent statement that the rescue of Israeli hostages in Gaza has become the primary focus rather than reiterating his goal to "eliminating Hamas" indicates a change in his priorities.

Times of Israel quoted sources saying that the critical points remaining in reaching a ceasefire, including the demands of the Palestinian group, Hamas, to end the war permanently, contradict Israel's efforts to secure a temporary ceasefire that leaves open the option for Israel to resume the battle.

They also said that Hamas demands the return of the old mechanism for distributing humanitarian aid through the UN or the establishment of a new system to replace the current system managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). This proposal is supported by Arab mediators due to the high number of Palestinian aid seekers killed as a result of Israeli army massacres near GHF locations.

Israel claims that GHF, a private mechanism based on mercenaries supported by Israel and the U.S., is crucial in preventing the diversion of aid by Hamas. In addition to no evidence of Hamas taking aid for the people, this mechanism also forces Palestinians to travel long distances to get food by crossing Israel's military lines. This makes them targets of deadly shootings almost every day, as reported by Times of Israel.

Channel 12, citing Israeli sources, reported that the military has asked the government to determine the next steps in the war.

The report said that the next steps could include taking control of Gaza or reaching a prisoner exchange agreement and claimed that the military prefers the second option.

The report emphasized that Dermer's trip is also planned as preparation for Netanyahu's visit to Washington, expected to take place in the next two weeks, and said the U.S. wants the agreement to be reached before Netanyahu's trip.

Channel 13 also reported that the Israeli military has informed the government that there are no significant targets left in Gaza that can be achieved without endangering the lives of the remaining hostages after nearly 19 months of ground attacks.

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