Ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas hit a snag on Thursday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that Hamas’ demands have been strengthened, prompting Israeli delegations to pull back negotiations from Doha.
“Given Hamas’ response this morning, we’ve decided to recall the negotiating team for further discussions in Israel,” the Prime Minister’s Office released in a statement. “We appreciate the efforts from the mediators, Qatar and Egypt, and our envoy, Steve Witkov, in striving for a breakthrough.”
Reports suggest that Hamas is demanding the release of 200 Palestinians serving life sentences for attacks on Israelis, which seems to go beyond what previous mediators supported. Since October 7, about 2,000 Palestinians have been detained in Gaza.
Witkov announced via X that his team returned from Doha for consultations following Hamas’ latest response, which underscored a lack of willingness to agree to a ceasefire. While he commended the mediators’ efforts, he commented, “Hamas doesn’t seem to be acting in good faith.” He added that they were exploring alternative ways to secure the return of hostages and create a stable environment for Gazans, suggesting that Hamas was acting selfishly.
An Israeli official clarified to Channel 12, “The delegation’s return isn’t a failure, but the gap between us remains significant across all critical issues.”
A statement from 25 nations condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza might further complicate already fragile negotiations. In response, the Israeli Foreign Ministry issued a pointed statement, cautioning against such declarations at sensitive negotiation times.
Israel’s ministry emphasized, “Israel is not out of touch; it’s Hamas that has caused the ongoing conflict.” Hostage families have voiced deep concern over the negotiations’ breakdown. “Families are watching anxiously as news of the negotiation team’s return spreads,” said the Hostage and Missing Family Forum. “Each missed opportunity risks our hostages’ lives, and another failure would be morally and diplomatically unforgivable.”
The ongoing negotiations are tied to a proposed U.S. aid deal, which includes a 60-day ceasefire in return for the release of about 50 Israeli hostages, gradual release of Palestinian prisoners, and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Additionally, Hamas has demanded that Israeli forces retreat to positions held before the last ceasefire on March 2 and opposed the newly established U.S.-backed humanitarian fund, asking for aid distribution to revert to previous methods.
Amid the negotiations, a rising humanitarian crisis looms. The UN and various aid organizations have warned that large numbers of people in Gaza are facing severe food shortages, with civilians in the north resorting to foraging while disorganized aid distribution in the south can be deadly.
In light of increasing pressure, Israel has accelerated aid delivery. The coordinator of government activities in the region reported that 70 trucks bearing mainly food supplies were sent to Gaza on Wednesday, with over 150 trucks staged within Gaza. However, logistical issues on the Palestinian side have resulted in more than 800 trucks being delayed.
John Acree, interim director of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, mentioned that they could provide large amounts of UN aid that are currently unused. He noted, “We’ve seen aid piled up near the border, yet not delivered.”
According to Israeli journalist Nadav Eyeal, a senior defense secretary was directed to expedite the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza without much concern for its safety from Hamas.
As military operations resume, Israeli officials warned that the moments for negotiation could close quickly, with an insider suggesting, “There’s still a considerable gap, but time is running out.”
