Israeli Delegation Heads to Qatar for Gaza Ceasefire Talks
Israel is sending negotiators to Qatar to discuss extending a ceasefire in Gaza after cutting off electricity to exert pressure on Hamas. Significant differences remain over the terms of a potential second phase, with humanitarian crises intensifying amid stalled negotiations. Hamas demands hostages’ release and access to essential services, while Israel is seeking leverage in negotiations.
Israel is dispatching a delegation to Doha for renewed negotiations concerning the extension of a shaky ceasefire in Gaza, following a recent suspension of the electricity supply aimed at pressuring Hamas. The initial phase of the truce lapsed on March 1, without definitive agreements for subsequent stages, although both parties have avoided full-scale hostilities since then.
Notable differences persist regarding the terms for a potential second phase of the ceasefire, largely maintaining a halt to violence that has escalated since Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. While Hamas advocates for immediate negotiations, Israel is pushing for an extension of the existing ceasefire.
In light of stalled negotiations, Israel has suspended aid deliveries to Gaza and recently severed electricity supplies to compel Hamas to release hostages. Energy Minister Eli Cohen stated, “We will use all the tools at our disposal to bring back the hostages and ensure that Hamas is no longer in Gaza the day after” the conflict.
This electricity cut mirrors early war strategies when Israel instituted a siege on Gaza, disrupting the power supply until it was reinstated in mid-2024. Currently, Gazans depend mainly on solar energy and fuel generators due to the loss of the power line from Israel.
The humanitarian crisis intensifies as hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are forced to reside in tents, facing nighttime temperatures as low as 12 degrees Celsius (54 degrees Fahrenheit). Izzat al-Rishq, a senior Hamas official, criticized Israel’s actions as a “desperate attempt to pressure our people and their resistance” against the backdrop of already severe deprivation of essential resources.
Hamas demands that the next phase of the truce include a comprehensive exchange of hostages, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, a lasting ceasefire, and the reopening of Gaza’s border crossings. Spokesman Hazem Qassem communicated the need for mediators to ensure Israeli compliance with these terms.
Discussions surrounding a second phase have seen engagement from former President Biden, who outlined conditions involving hostage release and subsequent Israeli withdrawal. A US envoy recently indicated that a deal could possibly be reached within weeks concerning all remaining hostages held by Hamas.
While a total of 251 hostages were seized during Hamas’s October attack, 58 remain in captivity. US envoy Adam Boehler mentioned on CNN that a potential deal could include the release of all prisoners, not limited to American nationals. He indicated that a “long-term truce” is imminent, although he also affirmed US support for any Israeli actions, including a resumption of hostilities.
Previous proposals have sought to displace Palestinians from Gaza, which elicited counteroffers from Arab leaders advocating for reconstruction without resettlement. The initial phase of the truce reduced hostilities significantly while also facilitating essential humanitarian aid, but the cessation of aid from Israel has sparked severe humanitarian implications in Gaza, with UN experts criticizing the government’s methods as constituting “weaponising starvation.”
The dire situation in Gaza has been compounded by economic challenges, as evidenced by local testimonies regarding the scarcity of goods and health resources. Total casualties on both sides remain high, with a reported 1,218 fatalities in Israel and at least 48,458 in Gaza since the outbreak of violence.
In summary, Israel’s delegation is heading to Qatar to discuss the extension of a fragile truce in Gaza, motivated by systemic humanitarian concerns and pressure tactics. Hostage negotiations dominate discussions, as both parties strive for an agreement amid significant adversities faced by Gazan civilians. The situation remains precarious, with deep societal impacts as both sides prepare for potential escalations.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
