Talks in Doha on Gaza Ceasefire Stall Due to Disagreements over Israeli Withdrawal

Palestinian and Israeli sources familiar with the matter reported a setback in the indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Doha aimed at achieving a ceasefire in Gaza, due to disagreements over the extent of Israeli forces withdrawal from the territory.

An Israeli official told Reuters that the talks continued on Saturday after a week since they started, focusing on a U.S. proposal for a 60-day ceasefire, but progress remained limited. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed hope for "rapid progress" based on the new proposal.

In Gaza, the situation witnessed a new escalation in violence as paramedics reported the killing of 17 civilians while trying to obtain food aid, following Israeli forces firing at them. This incident is part of a series of similar events resulting in dozens of casualties near aid distribution centers belonging to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, supported by the U.S. and Israel.

The United Nations stated that around 800 people have died in similar circumstances over the past six weeks, amidst deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the besieged territory.

Delegations from Israel and Hamas have been holding talks in Qatar since last Sunday, seeking an agreement that includes the gradual release of hostages, Israeli forces withdrawal from parts of Gaza, and initiating discussions to end the war completely.

However, disagreements persist, with the Israeli official accusing Hamas of "stubbornness and clinging to positions hindering mediation efforts," while the movement stated that "unacceptable Israeli demands" are the reason for the impasse.

A Palestinian source revealed that Hamas rejected Israeli withdrawal maps as they would leave 40% of the territory, including southern Rafah and areas in northern and eastern Gaza, under Israeli control. In return, two Israeli sources mentioned that Hamas demands the return of Israeli forces to previous ceasefire lines that were in effect before the fighting resumed last March.

Apart from the withdrawal issue, negotiations face other challenges related to ensuring humanitarian aid delivery and arrangements for a permanent end to the war. The Palestinian source indicated that "increased U.S. pressure may be necessary to break the deadlock."

Hamas insists that ending the war is a fundamental condition for releasing the remaining hostages, while Israel affirms that it will not cease its military operations until all hostages are recovered and Hamas's military and administrative structure is dismantled.

The war broke out on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of over 57,000 Palestinians according to the Gaza Health Ministry, in addition to mass displacement affecting the majority of the territory's population of two million people and massive infrastructure destruction.

In Tel Aviv, thousands of Israelis protested on Saturday, urging their government to exert more efforts to release hostages held by Hamas.