Israeli Delegation Heads to Qatar for Gaza Truce Negotiations

An Israeli team will visit Qatar to negotiate an extension of the Gaza ceasefire, amidst tensions as Israel cuts off electricity and aid. Hamas calls for immediate negotiations on the next phase, while Israel advocates extending the current terms. The humanitarian crisis escalates with international criticism of Israel’s actions, emphasizing the urgent need for a lasting resolution.

On Monday, an Israeli delegation is scheduled to arrive in Qatar to engage in discussions concerning the potential extension of a fragile ceasefire in Gaza. This initiative follows Israel’s recent decision to cut off the electricity supply to Gaza as a means to increase pressure on Hamas. The initial phase of the ceasefire deal concluded at the start of March, and ongoing disagreements impede agreement on the subsequent stages aimed at achieving a durable resolution to the conflict, which intensified following Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

The discord centers around the approach to proceed with negotiations; Hamas insists on immediate discussions regarding the next phase, whereas Israel advocates for the extension of the initial phase. In light of the stalemate, Hamas has accused Israel of failing to adhere to the ceasefire agreement, asserting that Israel “refuses to commence the second phase, exposing its intentions of evasion and stalling.”

Reports indicate that a senior official from Israel’s domestic security agency, Shin Bet, is set to lead the delegation to Qatar. Amid the deadlock in negotiations, Israel has temporarily halted aid deliveries to Gaza, reaffirmed by Energy Minister Eli Cohen’s announcement of the electricity cut. 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 war.

This action mirrors the early phase of the conflict when Israel imposed a complete siege on Gaza, leading to a total cutoff of electricity, which was only restored in mid-2024. Hamas’s spokesperson, Abdul Latif al-Qanoua, criticized Israel’s decision, arguing that the electricity cut poses a direct threat to hostages held in Gaza and characterizes it as a failed tactic.

Germany’s government has expressed disapproval of Israel’s actions, describing the power cut as “unacceptable and not compatible with (Israel’s) obligations under international law.” The only power line linking Israel and Gaza feeds the main desalination facility, leaving Gazans dependent on solar power and fuel generators. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with many Palestinians living in tents and facing significant temperature drops at night.

Hamas has reiterated its demands for the second phase of the truce, which is facilitated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, to incorporate a broad hostage-prisoner exchange, a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, a permanent ceasefire, and the reopening of border crossings. Former U.S. President Joe Biden had previously outlined terms for the second phase, envisioning a release of hostages alongside the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the area.

U.S. envoy Adam Boehler has indicated that a deal could be finalized “within weeks” to secure the release of individuals still held hostage. As of now, 58 hostages, including those confirmed dead by the Israeli military, remain in Gaza. Boehler has claimed that a “long-term truce” is imminent, although he later affirmed that the U.S. would support any decisions made by Israel, including a potential return to conflict.

In late February, former President Trump issued a stern warning to Hamas, threatening additional destruction if all remaining hostages were not released. This ultimatum follows his earlier controversial proposition regarding the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza, which incited Arab leaders to propose alternative reconstruction plans not involving displacement. The initial phase of the ceasefire, lasting 42 days beginning on January 19, alleviated hostilities following over 15 months of conflict, resulting in significant humanitarian aid reaching Gaza.

The situation has become increasingly perilous, with reports of widespread food shortages resulting from the suspension of aid. Local residents, such as Abu Mahmoud Salman, have lamented the lack of available resources, stating, “The markets are empty… prices are high, and there is no income. The situation in Gaza is difficult.” The ongoing conflict has caused tremendous casualties, with over 1,218 fatalities on the Israeli side and an overwhelming civilian death toll exceeding 48,467 in Gaza, underlining the urgency for a sustainable resolution to the crisis.

In summary, the Israeli delegation’s visit to Qatar aims to address the precarious ceasefire in Gaza, complicated by differing perspectives on negotiation strategies with Hamas. The recent cuts to electricity and aid exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, drawing international criticism. As discussions progress, the need for a comprehensive resolution remains critical to prevent further loss of life and address the dire humanitarian situation.

Original Source: www.al-monitor.com