Amid escalating international pressure for a ceasefire in Gaza, Hamas has rejected what it describes as “new conditions” introduced by Israel in the latest truce negotiations. This development comes after two days of intensive talks in Qatar, mediated by the United States, with the aim of ending the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, which has persisted for more than 10 months.
Intensified Diplomatic Efforts
US President Joe Biden, speaking on Friday, expressed optimism, stating, “We are closer than we have ever been,” indicating that a ceasefire deal might be within reach. Washington, alongside its European allies, has been advocating for a swift ceasefire, particularly following the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh on July 31 in Iran—a move widely attributed to Israel. Haniyeh’s killing has heightened tensions, with Hamas threatening retaliation and raising concerns about a broader conflict in the Middle East.
Mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States have been working tirelessly to finalize the details of a framework initially proposed by Biden in May, which Israel reportedly endorsed. Despite months of dialogue, the parties involved have struggled to agree on the specifics of a ceasefire and a potential hostage exchange deal. The recent talks in Doha were described as “serious and constructive” by the mediators, who highlighted the introduction of a “bridging proposal” by the United States aimed at securing a deal during the next round of negotiations scheduled to take place in Cairo next week.
Hamas’s Rejection and Israel’s Stance
However, Hamas quickly voiced its opposition to what it termed as “new conditions” in the proposal. Sources close to the negotiations revealed that Hamas was particularly resistant to conditions that involved keeping Israeli troops stationed in Gaza near the Egyptian border, granting Israel veto power over which Palestinian prisoners could be exchanged for Israeli hostages, and allowing Israel the right to deport certain prisoners rather than releasing them back to Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged mediators to exert pressure on Hamas to accept the principles outlined in Biden’s May framework. Netanyahu’s stance reflects Israel’s desire to maintain certain security measures in place even if a ceasefire is achieved.
International Response and Rising Tensions
The diplomatic push for a ceasefire has intensified in recent weeks, with several international leaders expressing concern over the prolonged conflict. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, ahead of a visit to Israel with French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne, warned, “The risk of the situation spiraling out of control is rising.” Both ministers are expected to stress the urgency of reaching a ceasefire agreement without further delays.
On the other hand, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz has called for international support in the event of an Iranian attack in retaliation for Haniyeh’s killing. This highlights the fragile nature of the situation and the potential for the conflict to expand beyond Gaza.
Settler Violence and International Condemnation
Adding to the complexities of the situation, a violent attack by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank on Thursday night drew widespread international condemnation. The attack, which involved settlers entering the village of Jit and setting fire to vehicles and structures, resulted in the death of a Palestinian man. The incident has been described by the Palestinian foreign ministry as “organized state terrorism” and has led to calls for sanctions against those within the Israeli government who have enabled such violence.
The European Union’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, has indicated his intention to propose sanctions against Israeli government members who have facilitated settler violence. This move underscores the increasing frustration among international actors over the ongoing conflict and the perceived lack of accountability.
Ongoing Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis
As the truce talks continue, the humanitarian toll in Gaza remains devastating. According to Hamas-run health authorities, the death toll in Gaza has surpassed 40,000 since the onset of Israel’s military campaign in retaliation for Hamas’s unprecedented attack on October 7. The relentless airstrikes and ground operations have caused widespread destruction and suffering, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence.
The urgency for a ceasefire is palpable, as the situation on the ground in Gaza continues to deteriorate. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the latest round of negotiations can bring an end to the bloodshed or whether the conflict will continue to escalate, with dire consequences for the region and beyond.
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