Israel and Hamas edge closer to Gaza truce amid intense negotiations

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to send a delegation to Qatar for truce and hostage-release discussions regarding Gaza, as Hamas declared its readiness to begin negotiations "immediately." However, tensions remain high as disagreements over proposed terms persist.

Renewed diplomatic efforts

Netanyahu, set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Monday, rejected changes to a draft ceasefire proposal mediated by Qatar and supported by the United States. The Israeli leader called the suggested adjustments "unacceptable" but emphasized his government’s commitment to continuing negotiations based on the original framework.

The ongoing conflict has exacted a devastating toll on Gaza, where Israeli military operations killed 42 people on Saturday, according to the territory's civil defense agency. The war, which began in October 2023 after a Hamas attack on Israel, has claimed tens of thousands of lives and left Gaza’s humanitarian situation in dire straits.

Key sticking points

Hamas has requested a 60-day truce that includes the release of 10 hostages and several bodies in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The group also demands guarantees for Israeli withdrawal, the prevention of further fighting during talks, and the reinstatement of a UN-led aid distribution system. The Israeli government has resisted these conditions, citing security concerns.

Egypt and Qatar, alongside the United States, have played significant roles in brokering past ceasefires, though recent attempts to reach an agreement have faltered. Two previous ceasefires temporarily halted hostilities and facilitated the release of hostages, but long-term solutions remain elusive.

Humanitarian crisis deepens

The prolonged conflict has exacerbated suffering for Gaza’s population of over two million. In southern Gaza, residents expressed cautious optimism over Hamas’s willingness to negotiate. "We hope a truce will be announced soon," said Karima al-Ras, a resident of Khan Younis. "People are dying for flour, and families are desperate to survive."

Aid distribution in Gaza has faced severe challenges, with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) stepping in to deliver food supplies under Israel’s partial blockade. However, the group has faced criticism from UN agencies and major aid organizations, which allege that its operations align with Israeli military objectives. The GHF reported a targeted attack on one of its aid centers in Khan Younis on Saturday, wounding two staff members.

Rising toll of conflict

The October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel resulted in over 1,200 deaths, predominantly civilians. In response, Israel launched an extensive offensive, which the Gaza health ministry reports has killed more than 57,000 people, mostly civilians. The United Nations has deemed these figures credible, underscoring the immense human cost of the war.

While the prospect of renewed negotiations offers a glimmer of hope, significant hurdles remain as both sides grapple with the terms of a potential agreement.