By Isabel Keane
Published
Jan. 25, 2024, 1:53 p.m. ET
Hamas has reportedly halted negotiations with Israel on a potential hostage release plan, insisting that Israel withdraw its troops from the Gaza Strip first.
Qatar, serving as a mediator between the conflicting parties, communicated the suspension to Israel on Wednesday, as per i24 News sources.
Qatar emphasized Hamas’ requirement for a comprehensive resolution that includes the complete removal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip as the initial phase of the agreement. Israel, however, has been advocating for a step-by-step negotiation approach towards a ceasefire.
The removal of all Israeli forces from Gaza would effectively bring an end to the ongoing war, which is approaching its fourth month without a lasting resolution between the two sides.
Despite Hamas’ apparent rejection of the proposal, Israeli officials assert that there is still a possibility for the two sides to reach a ceasefire, as Reuters reported earlier this week, with the option still on the table.
Prior to Hamas’ demand for the withdrawal of Israeli soldiers from Gaza, the two parties were discussing the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners during a month-long ceasefire.
The cessation of hostilities would facilitate the release of over 130 hostages still held in Gaza, as well as the release of Palestinian prisoners and additional aid for Gaza.
Qatar, serving as a mediator between the conflicting parties, communicated the suspension to Israel on Wednesday.
This arrangement followed what one source described as “intensive” mediation talks led by Qatar, Washington and Egypt.
Hamas initially proposed a break of several months, according to one source, although Israel disagreed and the timeframe was reduced to approximately 30 days.
The two groups have been unable to reach an agreement on the scope of negotiation. Hamas has declined to proceed until the terms for a permanent ceasefire are established, whereas Israel prefers to negotiate one stage at a time, as multiple sources informed the outlet.
Hamas aims to secure a comprehensive agreement on a permanent ceasefire before agreeing to release any hostages, as per a Palestinian official involved in the mediation efforts.
Israel and Hamas are currently communicating solely through mediators.
The mediators involved in the process expressed efforts to persuade Hamas to accept a one-month truce followed by a permanent ceasefire—a proposal that Hamas refused without guarantees that Israel would not reignite the conflict.
A week-long ceasefire in November led to the release of over 100 hostages and approximately 240 Palestinian prisoners.
According to a report, Israel offered to end the war if Hamas removed six senior officials from Gaza, a proposal that Hamas “absolutely” rejected, as stated by an anonymous Hamas official to Reuters.
The devastating attack in southern Israel resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 people, while Israel’s response claimed the lives of over 25,000 Palestinians.
A week-long truce in November resulted in the release of over 100 hostages and around 240 Palestinian prisoners.
Israel and Hamas began negotiations for another cessation of hostilities on Dec. 28.
Despite the entrenched positions of both sides, one of the sources mentioned that a deal could be made “at any moment.”
With Post wires
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