Stalled Negotiations for Ceasefire Extension
The ceasefire in Gaza hangs in the balance as indirect talks held in Qatar attempt to prolong the tenuous truce between Israel and Hamas. The initial phase of a three-part agreement, facilitated by the US, Qatar, and Egypt, concluded on March 1. However, uncertainty prevails regarding the future, as the second phase remains unresolved.
Hostilities in Gaza have been paused since mid-January, following the first phase of the agreement. This phase involved Hamas releasing 25 Israeli hostages and the remains of eight others in return for over 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The subsequent phase was expected to address the release of the remaining hostages in exchange for further Palestinian detainees, a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and a lasting ceasefire.
Israel insists that Hamas must release additional hostages before proceeding with the next phase of negotiations. The Israeli government has not indicated any plans to free more Palestinian prisoners, a critical aspect of the initial agreement.
Challenges and Accusations in Truce Discussions
Hamas claims that Israel is deliberately stalling talks to undermine the agreement. This week, US envoy Steve Witkoff visited Qatar to mediate indirect discussions, but tangible progress remains elusive.
Hamas spokesperson Abdullatif Al-Qanou emphasized the group’s commitment to upholding the ceasefire and engaging constructively in negotiations. “We have shown considerable flexibility with mediator efforts and President Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff,” he stated. “Our foremost priority is ensuring the well-being and safety of our population through a permanent cessation of hostilities.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces domestic criticism for not advancing to the next phase of the deal. His coalition, reliant on far-right partners, is adamant about dismantling Hamas and depopulating Gaza.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has threatened to destabilize the government if Netanyahu proceeds with the second phase of the agreement without resuming military action.
Earlier this month, Yair Golan, leader of Israel’s Labour Party, accused the government of procrastination. “Israel was supposed to begin talks for the second phase on day 16 of the first phase. However, they have evaded these discussions,” Golan told Maariv on March 2.
Contentious Demands and Strategic Positions
Hamas demands Israel’s withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor, a 14km stretch along the Egyptian border, as stipulated in the initial truce. However, senior Israeli officials maintain that a military presence is essential for national security purposes.
Dismissal of International Threats
Since US President Donald Trump began his second term on January 20, he has vocally supported Israel and issued threats against Hamas. In a social media post on March 6, Trump demanded the immediate release of the remaining Israeli hostages, warning of severe consequences.
Al-Qanou dismissed Trump’s threats, as well as those from Israel. Four days before Trump’s statement, Israel halted all supplies to Gaza’s over 2 million residents, aiming to exert pressure on Hamas in the truce negotiations. Subsequently, Israeli authorities cut electricity to a desalination plant, impacting drinking water.
The foreign ministers of France, Germany, and the UK expressed grave concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, describing Israel’s actions as “catastrophic.”
Hamas regards the aid suspension as “collective punishment” and remains resolute against yielding to pressure. Al-Qanou asserted that Israel’s “dream” of a depopulated Gaza would “never materialize.”
Netanyahu has accused Hamas of diverting aid for future attacks, allegations the group denies.
The Ongoing Conflict and its Ramifications
The conflict in Gaza erupted after Hamas launched an assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in 1,200 casualties and the taking of 251 hostages. This incident is regarded as the largest massacre of Jewish people since the Holocaust. Hamas describes the attack as a bold assertion of Palestinian resistance, portraying it as retaliation against Israeli occupation and a pivotal moment in the quest for statehood.
Al-Qanou referred to the October 7 attack as an “operation,” emphasizing, “We are defending our people’s rights, lands, and striving to liberate our captives.”
When questioned by Euronews about the parade of four hostages’ bodies before their return to Israel, Hamas provided no response. The act drew widespread condemnation, with UN human rights chief Volker Turk stating it violated international law.
Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has resulted in at least 48,000 Palestinian fatalities, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, which does not differentiate between civilian and combatant deaths. The conflict has displaced approximately 90% of Gaza’s population, with at least 60% of buildings damaged or destroyed, as reported by the UN.
