Israeli delegation in Doha for truce talks

An Israeli delegation is set to arrive in Doha on Monday for indirect negotiations with Hamas regarding the continuation of the ceasefire in Gaza. These talks come amid significant disagreements between the conflicting parties.

Ahead of the discussions, Israel has increased pressure on Hamas by announcing the suspension of the only power line supplying electricity to Gaza’s main desalination plant. Hamas has condemned this move as “unacceptable blackmail.”

The Israeli government stated that its delegation is attending the talks in Qatar following an invitation from U.S.-backed mediators to advance the negotiations. Meanwhile, Hamas negotiators, led by Mohammed Darwish, arrived in Doha on Sunday after holding several meetings in Cairo.

On the same day, Adam Boehler, the U.S. special envoy for hostages in Gaza, suggested that an agreement for their release could be reached “in the coming weeks.” He described his recent direct discussions with Hamas as “very useful.”

Disagreements Over the Ceasefire Deal

The ceasefire agreement, brokered with U.S., Qatari, and Egyptian mediation, took effect on January 19 after 15 months of war in Gaza. The conflict began following Hamas' unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

During the first phase of the agreement, which ended on March 1, Hamas released 33 Israeli hostages, including eight deceased individuals, while Israel freed approximately 1,800 Palestinian prisoners.

The main points of contention now revolve around the second phase of the deal. Hamas insists that it includes a permanent ceasefire, a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the release of the remaining hostages—58 in total, including 34 reported dead according to the Israeli military.

Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem called on Egyptian and Qatari mediators, as well as the U.S. administration, to ensure Israel adheres to the agreement by allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza and proceeding with the next phase.

Israel, however, wants to extend the first phase of the ceasefire until mid-April and has set conditions for moving forward: the complete demilitarization of Gaza, Hamas' removal from power, and the return of all remaining hostages. Citing Hamas’ refusal to accept these terms, Israel has blocked humanitarian aid from entering Gaza since March 2, exacerbating the crisis for the 2.4 million residents.

Gaza’s Future in Question

Tensions continue to rise as both sides accuse each other of violating the truce. On Sunday, the Israeli military carried out an airstrike on Palestinian fighters allegedly attempting to plant an explosive device in northern Gaza, reporting multiple casualties.

Gaza’s future remains a critical issue in negotiations. In early February, former U.S. President Donald Trump sparked global outrage by suggesting that the United States take control of Gaza and displace its population to turn the territory into the “Riviera of the Middle East.”

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a far-right figure, claimed on Sunday that efforts to implement this idea were “taking shape” in coordination with the U.S. administration.

Following Hamas’ October 7 attack, Israel vowed to dismantle the group, launching a large-scale military offensive that has so far killed at least 48,458 people, mostly civilians, according to Hamas’ health ministry figures, which the UN considers reliable. The war has also triggered a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Meanwhile, the October 7 assault resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official data, including hostages who were later killed in captivity.