U.S. and Israeli Officials Float Idea of 'All or Nothing' Gaza Deal

For months, the Israeli government had focused on negotiating a two-phased deal for a 60-day cease-fire in Gaza and the release of some hostages, leaving discussions about a permanent end to the war for a later stage.

With the talks now at an impasse, American and Israeli officials appear to be sharply changing their tone by signaling that they will push for a comprehensive deal. But Israel and Hamas remain far apart, and analysts said this new approach would also face steep challenges.

Under the terms of the ultimatum, Hamas would have to release the remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and agree to terms to end the war that include the group’s disarmament. Otherwise, the Israeli military would continue its campaign.

Hamas has consistently rejected Israel’s terms for ending the war throughout the negotiations. On Saturday, the group said in a statement that it would not disarm unless a Palestinian state was established, despite a call from Arab states last week for the group to do so. “Hamas is essentially saying to Israel: ‘If you want the 20 living hostages out, give us a full victory,’” said Ehud Yaari, an Israel-based fellow of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, an independent research group.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/03/world/middleeast/israel-gaza-hamas-ceasefire.html