CAIRO (AP) — As potential ceasefire talks loom, Hamas and Israel have clearly stated their positions. Hamas indicated a willingness to negotiate, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that "there will be no Hamas" in a postwar Gaza.

President Donald Trump announced a 60-day ceasefire proposal on Tuesday, urging both parties to accept the terms before conditions deteriorate further. While Hamas maintained its position that any agreement must conclude the ongoing war in Gaza, Israel expressed that it would only consider a ceasefire if Hamas is defeated. Trump's administration is increasing pressure on both sides to reach an agreement that includes a ceasefire and a plan for hostages.

According to Trump, the proposed 60-day period could serve as a foundation for broader peace discussions. However, Hamas's firm stance on ending the war raises doubts about the feasibility of the proposal. Hamas official Taher al-Nunu emphasized the group's commitment to an agreement that would lead to a complete ceasefire.

A delegation from Hamas was expected to meet with Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo to discuss the ceasefire proposal, as revealed by an anonymous Egyptian official. Throughout the nearly 21-month-long conflict, negotiations have stumbled on how the war should conclude, reflecting significant disagreements between the two sides.

While Hamas is reportedly willing to release the remaining 50 hostages in exchange for a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, Israel has reiterated that any ceasefire must be contingent on Hamas's surrender and disarmament, which the group has categorically rejected. Netanyahu's statement of "no Hamas" highlights Israel's unwavering stance against the militant group.

Details of the latest ceasefire proposal suggest it would include a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and increased humanitarian aid to the region. However, Israel does not appear willing to confirm that it will work towards ending the war as part of this proposal. It remains uncertain how many hostages might be released amid these discussions.

Idit Ohel, the mother of Israeli hostage Alon Ohel, expressed hope for a ceasefire, stating, "I’m holding my hands and praying that this will come about." She urged the international community to exert pressure on both sides to halt the violence and secure the release of hostages.

Amidst the ongoing conflict, the death toll in Gaza has soared past 57,000, with hospitals overwhelmed by casualties. Over the past few days, Israeli airstrikes have killed many civilians, including children and women. The Israeli military attributes civilian casualties to Hamas’s operations from densely populated areas, raising serious questions about the humanitarian situation in the region.

The state of health services in Gaza is critically compromised, exacerbated by continued airstrikes. Recently, Dr. Marwan al-Sultan, the director of the Indonesian Hospital, was killed during an Israeli strike. His death underscores the severe impacts of the ongoing violence on medical professionals and health infrastructure in Gaza.

As preparations for talks continue, the context of the war illustrates a conflict driven by deep-seated animosities and fundamentally differing perspectives on peace and security. With Trump hosting Netanyahu at the White House next week, the international community is closely watching how negotiations evolve. Continued violence and death tolls signify the urgency for diplomatic solutions that address both the human cost of the war and the overarching security concerns of all involved parties.