Stalled negotiations aimed at achieving a cease-fire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict are poised to recommence in Qatar, with talks expected to intensify as early as Sunday, as per Egyptian officials.
This resurgence in dialogue marks the first instance of direct involvement from both Israeli authorities and Hamas leaders since the commencement of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. International mediators had initially aimed to secure a six-week truce before Ramadan’s onset earlier in the week. However, Hamas staunchly refused any agreement that did not guarantee a permanent cease-fire in Gaza—a condition firmly rejected by Israel.
Despite the deadlock, recent gestures from both sides indicate a willingness to revive discussions, which had never been completely abandoned.
Hamas has presented mediators with a new three-stage proposal designed to bring an end to hostilities, according to Egyptian officials privy to the matter. The proposal outlines an initial six-week cease-fire, during which 35 hostages—comprising women, the infirm, and elderly individuals—held by militants in Gaza would be released in exchange for 350 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Moreover, Hamas would release a minimum of five female soldiers in return for 50 prisoners, including some serving lengthy sentences on terrorism charges, for each soldier. Concurrently, Israeli forces would withdraw from two primary roads in Gaza, facilitate the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza—a region profoundly affected by the conflict—and enable unimpeded aid flow into the area.
The dire humanitarian situation in northern Gaza underscores the urgency of such measures, with the UN’s children’s agency reporting that nearly one in three children under the age of two suffers from acute malnutrition.
Subsequent phases of the proposal entail the declaration of a permanent cease-fire, contingent upon the release of remaining Israeli hostages by Hamas in exchange for additional prisoners. Finally, Hamas would hand over deceased individuals in its possession in exchange for Israel lifting the blockade on Gaza, thereby initiating the reconstruction process.
Although talks were anticipated to resume on Sunday afternoon, logistical considerations may necessitate a delay until Monday, as per Egyptian officials.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has characterized the proposed plan as “unrealistic” but has consented to dispatch Israeli negotiators to Qatar. Netanyahu’s government has consistently rebuffed calls for a permanent cease-fire, asserting that its primary objective remains the “annihilation of Hamas.”
Amid mounting impatience with Netanyahu’s administration, thousands of individuals rallied in Tel Aviv on Saturday night, demanding the prompt release of hostages and criticizing the government’s handling of the conflict. Concurrently, concerns loom over potential military action in Rafah—the southernmost town in Gaza, where a substantial portion of the enclave’s population has sought refuge following the recent escalation in hostilities.
The international community, including the United States, has cautioned against military intervention in Rafah, warning of catastrophic consequences. Meanwhile, efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis persist, with Germany joining a coalition of countries in conducting aid airdrops over Gaza, and the United States announcing plans for a pier to facilitate aid delivery.
Nevertheless, displaced Palestinians in northern Gaza remain in dire straits, with humanitarian efforts unable to fully address their urgent needs.