Gaza: Mediators have been shuttling between Israel and Hamas negotiators since July 6 as they scramble to end nearly two years of war in Gaza where fears of mass starvation are growing. Through 21 months of fighting, both sides have clung to long-held positions, preventing two short-lived truces from being converted into a lasting ceasefire. The stakes are higher now with growing numbers of starvation deaths in the Palestinian territory casting a spotlight on Israel’s refusal to allow in more aid.
According to TRTworld.com, after more than two weeks of negotiation efforts, mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and the United States are at a standstill. The proposal on the table involves a 60-day ceasefire and the release of ten living hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Hamas insists any agreement must include guarantees of a lasting end to the war, while Israel rejects such guarantees, insisting that Hamas must give up its capacity to fight or govern as a prerequisite for peace.
Karim Bitar, a lecturer in Middle Eastern studies at Paris’s Sciences Po university, stated, “The cold hard truth is that for domestic political considerations neither (Israeli Prime Minister) Benjamin Netanyahu nor Hamas leaders in Gaza have an interest in seeing a swift outcome and a comprehensive ceasefire.” Israeli officials have indicated openness to compromise, yet troops have expanded operations into areas of Gaza previously spared from ground offensives since the war’s onset in October 2023.
Israeli media report that Hamas negotiators in Doha have been unable to communicate directly with the military leadership in Gaza to approve Israeli pullback maps, highlighting logistical and internal rifts within the resistance group. Andreas Krieg, a Middle East analyst at King’s College London, noted, “the talks are technically progressing, but in practical terms, they are approaching a stalemate.”
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with more than two million people facing severe food shortages. More than 100 NGOs have warned of “mass starvation,” and the head of Gaza’s largest hospital reported 21 children died of malnutrition and starvation in three days. Krieg emphasized, “Humanitarian pressure is mounting fast,” which could pressure Hamas to accept an interim deal to alleviate suffering.
Despite potential concessions from Hamas, Israel holds significant leverage, and a lasting ceasefire seems unlikely unless Israel desires one. Bitar warned, “Unless the United States and Qatar… increase significantly their pressure on Israel, I am afraid that this round of negotiations will fail like the previous rounds.”