Efforts to extend the Gaza ceasefire, which initially took effect in January, have hit a standstill as a Palestinian official reported no agreement reached during talks in Qatar. The negotiations sought to build upon the temporary truce that ended on March 1.
US Dismisses Hamas Proposals as Ceasefire Efforts Stall
US Dismisses Hamas Proposals as Ceasefire Efforts Stall
Negotiations to prolong Gaza's ceasefire have stalled amid accusations from the US that Hamas is making "entirely impractical" demands.
The US has presented a plan aimed at extending the ceasefire into mid-April while facilitating another release of hostages. However, differences between Israel and Hamas on key issues have hindered progress. US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff alleged that Hamas is gambling on an untenable timeline, stressing that their position lacks realism and is counterproductive to achieving peace.
Previously, the two parties had reached a segmented ceasefire agreement allowing for the return of hostages and an exchange of prisoners; however, disagreements plague the next stages. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has indicated that it accepted the US plan, while Hamas has reportedly rejected it without yielding even slightly, leading to escalating tensions.
Hamas, still believed to be holding 24 living hostages, has stated it is willing to release an Israeli-American soldier among others, but Witkoff quickly deemed these actions as a strategic façade. The violence that erupted after Hamas's assault on October 7, which saw over 1,200 fatalities in Israel, has since turned into widespread destruction in Gaza, displacing millions, with significant casualties reported.
The humanitarian conditions have become dire as resources dwindle, drawing global attention and calls for urgent interventions. The continuation of indirect talks continues amidst dire circumstances, as the situation remains precarious and uncertain for both sides.
Previously, the two parties had reached a segmented ceasefire agreement allowing for the return of hostages and an exchange of prisoners; however, disagreements plague the next stages. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has indicated that it accepted the US plan, while Hamas has reportedly rejected it without yielding even slightly, leading to escalating tensions.
Hamas, still believed to be holding 24 living hostages, has stated it is willing to release an Israeli-American soldier among others, but Witkoff quickly deemed these actions as a strategic façade. The violence that erupted after Hamas's assault on October 7, which saw over 1,200 fatalities in Israel, has since turned into widespread destruction in Gaza, displacing millions, with significant casualties reported.
The humanitarian conditions have become dire as resources dwindle, drawing global attention and calls for urgent interventions. The continuation of indirect talks continues amidst dire circumstances, as the situation remains precarious and uncertain for both sides.
