As tensions escalate, the prospect of extending the fragile ceasefire in Gaza faces significant obstacles due to irreconcilable differences between Hamas and Israel during US-mediated talks.
US Calls Out Hamas for “Impractical” Demands as Ceasefire Talks Stumble
US Calls Out Hamas for “Impractical” Demands as Ceasefire Talks Stumble
Failed negotiations cast doubt on the future of the Gaza ceasefire with the US branding demands from Hamas as unrealistic.
In a recent development, talks aimed at extending the Gaza ceasefire have hit a roadblock, as a Palestinian official reported that no consensus has been reached. The US has criticized Hamas for putting forth demands that it deems "entirely impractical" at negotiations currently ongoing in Qatar. The ceasefire, originally agreed upon in January, allowed for an exchange of hostages and prisoners between Hamas and Israel. However, as the initial truce phase concluded on March 1, disagreements between the two parties on essential terms have emerged.
The US proposed an extension of the ceasefire until mid-April, which would involve additional exchanges of hostages. A Palestinian official, speaking under condition of anonymity, noted that key issues remained unresolved between Israel and Hamas. While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office indicated that they accepted the US proposal and awaited a report from the negotiating team, Hamas's response showed a firm stance against it.
Hamas has publicly claimed that negotiations have broken down, accusing Israel of manipulation. The US, through Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, stated that Hamas is making a "serious miscalculation" regarding the passage of time amidst negotiations. Witkoff’s office emphasized that the group has a deadline to adhere to and will face consequences if it is not met.
Speculation continues over the number of hostages Hamas currently holds, as well as the stalled issue of Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza. Both parties remain entrenched in their positions, escalating an already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where over 90% of homes have been destroyed or damaged amidst ongoing conflict.
Aid access remains hindered, with Israel cutting off critical supplies, further exacerbating the plight of Gaza's 2.1 million residents who face acute shortages of essential resources. Understanding how the conflict will unfold from here remains uncertain as indirect negotiations proceed with a backdrop of deepening humanitarian crises and political complexities.
The US proposed an extension of the ceasefire until mid-April, which would involve additional exchanges of hostages. A Palestinian official, speaking under condition of anonymity, noted that key issues remained unresolved between Israel and Hamas. While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office indicated that they accepted the US proposal and awaited a report from the negotiating team, Hamas's response showed a firm stance against it.
Hamas has publicly claimed that negotiations have broken down, accusing Israel of manipulation. The US, through Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, stated that Hamas is making a "serious miscalculation" regarding the passage of time amidst negotiations. Witkoff’s office emphasized that the group has a deadline to adhere to and will face consequences if it is not met.
Speculation continues over the number of hostages Hamas currently holds, as well as the stalled issue of Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza. Both parties remain entrenched in their positions, escalating an already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where over 90% of homes have been destroyed or damaged amidst ongoing conflict.
Aid access remains hindered, with Israel cutting off critical supplies, further exacerbating the plight of Gaza's 2.1 million residents who face acute shortages of essential resources. Understanding how the conflict will unfold from here remains uncertain as indirect negotiations proceed with a backdrop of deepening humanitarian crises and political complexities.
