Delegations from Israel and Hamas have initiated indirect ceasefire talks in Qatar, coinciding with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington to meet with Donald Trump. Netanyahu expressed optimism that the upcoming meeting with the US president on Monday could advance negotiations aimed at securing the release of hostages and establishing a ceasefire in Gaza. He emphasized that he had instructed his negotiators to pursue a ceasefire agreement under conditions that Israel would accept.
Hamas has indicated a willingness to consider the latest ceasefire proposal with a positive attitude. However, significant gaps remain between the two parties that must be addressed to reach a consensus. Currently, Hamas appears to be holding firm on its previously stated conditions, which include a guarantee for the cessation of hostilities at the conclusion of any truce and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. These terms have been previously rejected by Netanyahu's government, indicating that the Israeli stance may not have shifted substantially.
As Netanyahu departed for the US, he reiterated his commitment to three primary objectives: the release and return of all hostages—both living and deceased; the dismantling of Hamas's military capabilities; and ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel. The role of Qatari and Egyptian mediators will be crucial as they navigate the complexities of the indirect talks, particularly in overcoming the sticking points that have hindered past initiatives since the previous ceasefire lapsed in March.
In recent months, Israel has intensified its military operations against Hamas while implementing an eleven-week blockade on aid entering Gaza, which was partially lifted a few weeks ago. The Israeli government asserts that these actions aim to weaken Hamas and compel the group to negotiate for the release of hostages. In the last 24 hours alone, the Israeli military reported striking 130 Hamas targets, resulting in the deaths of several militants. However, the toll on civilian lives in Gaza continues to escalate, with hospital officials reporting over 30 fatalities on Sunday.
The pressing question now is whether the talks in Qatar can yield a compromise that satisfies both sides and whether Trump can influence Netanyahu to consider an end to the conflict during their meeting on Monday. Many Israelis believe that concluding the war is a necessary price to pay for the safety of the remaining hostages. Demonstrators took to the streets on Saturday evening, urging Netanyahu to finalize a deal for the hostages' release.
Nevertheless, hardline members within Netanyahu's cabinet, including national security minister Itamar Ben Gvir and finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, have once again voiced their strong opposition to concluding the war in Gaza before Hamas is completely eradicated. As discussions seem to gain momentum towards a potential ceasefire, uncertainty looms over whether the Israeli government or Hamas is willing to compromise on their established conditions.
Once more, Palestinians in Gaza and the families of Israeli hostages remain hopeful that this will not turn out to be another false dawn. Following Hamas's attacks on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken, the Israeli military launched a comprehensive campaign in Gaza. Since then, the Hamas-run health ministry reports that at least 57,338 individuals have perished in Gaza, underscoring the dire humanitarian situation amidst ongoing conflict.