Israeli Delegates Engage in Qatar for Gaza Truce Discussions

Israeli negotiators are headed to Qatar to discuss extending a fragile ceasefire in Gaza following Israel’s electricity supply cutoff aimed at pressuring Hamas. Significant differences remain between the parties regarding the terms of a potential second truce phase, with Hamas calling for immediate negotiations while Israel prefers to extend current arrangements. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens amid restricted aid, leading to desperate conditions for residents.

Israeli delegates are scheduled to travel to Doha for discussions aimed at extending a fragile ceasefire in Gaza, following Israel’s recent decision to cut off electricity to increase pressure on Hamas. This round of talks comes after the first phase of the truce ended on March 1, 2025, without a consensus regarding the terms for a permanent resolution to the conflict, despite both parties maintaining a halt in large-scale hostilities.

Significant disagreements persist regarding the conditions for a potential second phase of the ceasefire, which has largely mitigated the violence that erupted after Hamas’s assault on Israel on October 7, 2023. While Hamas is advocating for immediate discussions regarding the next phase, Israel is inclined to extend the current truce. Amidst this stalemate, Israel suspended aid deliveries to Gaza and has announced an electrical supply cutoff aimed at compelling Hamas to release hostages.

Israeli 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 cutoff mirrors prior strategies employed in the early days of the war, characterized by a siege mentality during which electrical supplies were severed. Gaza’s residents are now reliant on solar panels and generators for power, as the sole power line to the territory feeds into its primary desalination plant.

With widespread displacement, many Palestinians are living in tents amidst chilling nighttime temperatures. Hamas senior official Izzat al-Rishq criticized Israel’s decision, characterizing it as a “desperate attempt to pressure our people and their resistance” after depriving the territory of vital resources. Furthermore, Hamas has reiterated demands for the next phase of the ceasefire to encompass a comprehensive exchange of hostages for prisoners, as well as conditions for a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

Amid these discussions, former US President Joe Biden had previously delineated conditions for the next phase that included hostage releases and troop withdrawals. US envoy Adam Boehler indicated that a deal might materialize within weeks, as ongoing negotiations are essential for securing the release of the remaining hostages from the October 7 incident. Of the 251 hostages taken, 58 are still held in Gaza, with the Israeli military confirming that 34 have died.

Boiler confirmed on CNN that negotiations may lead to outcomes involving the release of all hostages, stating, “there could be a deal where they can get all of the prisoners out, not just the Americans.” Earlier proposals from the Trump administration faced criticism, leading Arab leaders to suggest alternative reconstruction plans without displacing Palestinians. The initial ceasefire phase greatly reduced hostilities, allowing for some humanitarian assistance. However, following the recent aid suspension, UN experts condemned Israel for using starvation as a tactic.

Abu Mahmoud Salman, a resident of northern Gaza, expressed the dire situation, noting the lack of supplies and inflated prices, saying, “the markets are empty… prices are high, and there is no income. The situation in Gaza is difficult.” The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with Hamas’s attack leading to 1,218 Israeli fatalities and Israel’s counteroffensive causing at least 48,458 deaths in Gaza, primarily among civilians.

The ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Qatar underscore the complexities of securing a stable and enduring ceasefire in Gaza. With significant disparities in demands and conditions posed by both entities, the humanitarian situation remains dire. The potential release of hostages and the cessation of hostilities depend heavily on the forthcoming discussions. The international community continues to monitor these developments as both sides strive for a resolution amid a challenging backdrop of human suffering and displacement.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr