Jerusalem Post: US urges Israel to delay full-scale Gaza offensive

The United States has urged Israel in recent days to postpone its full-scale military operation in Gaza to allow more time for negotiations over a potential hostage release deal, according to two sources familiar with the matter who spoke to The Jerusalem Post on May 25.

Washington’s request reportedly includes two key elements: delaying the ground offensive and enabling ongoing negotiations to continue alongside limited military activity. While Israeli forces are currently conducting extensive operations in Gaza, officials in Jerusalem have made it clear that once a full-scale maneuver is launched, they will not retreat from captured areas, even if a hostage agreement is reached, Caliber.Az reports.

“Once the maneuver begins, we will act with full force and will not stop until all objectives are achieved,” Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said several days ago.

Amid the continued military campaign and in light of Israel’s firm position, the U.S. has appealed to Israel to maintain space for current diplomatic efforts.

“If there’s an opportunity for a temporary ceasefire to bring back hostages, we are prepared for that,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on May 21.

However, Israel recalled its negotiation team from Qatar on May 22 after Hamas demanded American guarantees to end the war as part of any potential deal.

Israeli officials say the only viable proposal under discussion is the "Witkoff framework," which involves the release of 10 hostages in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire. “It’s deadlocked,” an Israeli source told The Jerusalem Post.

Although the Israeli delegation has exited Qatar, the US administration is continuing indirect negotiations with Hamas through Dr. Bashara Bahbah, a former leader of the “Arab Americans for Trump” campaign.

Israel estimates that 58 hostages are still being held in Gaza, with approximately 20 believed to be alive. Meanwhile, over 10,100 Palestinians are currently in Israeli prisons, with reports from both Palestinian and Israeli human rights organisations citing concerns over conditions, including allegations of torture, hunger, and lack of medical care.

Hamas has repeatedly proposed releasing all Israeli captives in exchange for an end to the war, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the release of Palestinian prisoners.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has added further conditions to any potential agreement, including the disarmament of armed groups in Gaza—an element that Hamas has rejected.

By Sabina Mammadli