The recent round of talks between Israel and Hamas, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, has concluded with no significant breakthrough, as reported by a Palestinian official familiar with the negotiations. The session, which lasted for nearly three and a half hours in Doha, saw messages and clarifications exchanged between the two sides through mediators, but no progress was made.
The Israeli delegation was criticized for not having sufficient authorization to reach an agreement with Hamas, with Reuters reporting that they lacked the necessary powers. Despite this setback, talks are expected to resume on Monday, with mediators planning to hold separate meetings with each delegation in an effort to bridge the gaps and overcome obstacles.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s upcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington is seen as a potential catalyst for progress in reaching a deal for the release of hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza. Netanyahu expressed optimism that the meeting would aid in advancing efforts towards a ceasefire agreement, giving clear instructions to his negotiators to achieve a deal under conditions acceptable to Israel.
Hamas has responded positively to the latest ceasefire proposal but significant gaps still exist between the two sides. Hamas is seeking guarantees of an end to hostilities and the withdrawal of Israeli troops, conditions that Netanyahu’s government has previously rejected. Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to three missions – the release of hostages, the destruction of Hamas capabilities, and ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel.
Qatari and Egyptian mediators face a challenging task in trying to overcome these sticking points that have hindered previous initiatives since the last ceasefire ended in March. Israel has intensified its offensive against Hamas and imposed a blockade on aid entering Gaza, aiming to weaken Hamas and compel negotiations for the release of hostages.
The ongoing violence has resulted in civilian casualties in Gaza, with the Israeli military targeting Hamas militants and infrastructure. The question remains whether the talks in Qatar can lead to a compromise accepted by both sides and whether Trump can persuade Netanyahu to end the conflict during their meeting.
Despite calls from Israeli citizens for a resolution to free the hostages, hardline voices in Netanyahu’s cabinet oppose ending the conflict before eliminating Hamas entirely. The prospect of a ceasefire deal is uncertain, with both sides hesitant to compromise on their key conditions.
As Palestinians in Gaza and families of Israeli hostages await a potential breakthrough, the hope remains that this round of talks will not end in disappointment. The conflict, which began in response to Hamas attacks in October 2023, has claimed numerous lives and continues to impact the region. The road to peace remains uncertain, with the outcome of negotiations hanging in the balance.
