Ceasefire negotiations continue to falter as the US and Israel express concerns over Hamas's requests, which they perceive as unreasonable.
US Criticizes Hamas Demands Amid Stalled Gaza Ceasefire Talks
US Criticizes Hamas Demands Amid Stalled Gaza Ceasefire Talks
US officials label Hamas's demands as "impractical," complicating efforts to solidify a ceasefire in Gaza.
The fragile talks to extend the ceasefire in Gaza have reached an impasse, with the United States publicly rejecting Hamas's demands as "entirely impractical." A Palestinian official disclosed to the BBC that negotiations, which took place recently in Qatar, have not made substantial progress, as both sides struggle to come to an agreement.
The ceasefire, originally brokered in January after a protracted conflict that lasted for 15 months, had seen limited success, and the first phase was intended to conclude at the beginning of March. As part of the arrangement, Hamas released 25 live Israeli hostages and agreed to return the remains of eight others, while Israel reciprocated by freeing approximately 1,800 Palestinian prisoners.
Despite proposals from US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to expand the truce until mid-April, with a further hostages exchange plan, the divide between Hamas and Israel has only widened. Israeli officials, yet to formally comment, have asserted that Netanyahu's government accepted the US's terms; however, Hamas's refusal to adjust its stance has led to a stalemate. Witkoff expressed concern about Hamas's strategic calculations, indicating that the organization seems to misjudge the pressure they are under.
Hamas, on the other hand, claims negotiations have collapsed due to Israeli intransigence. In a statement, they indicated readiness to release the last known Israeli-American hostage, Edan Alexander, previously captured in the attacks of 7 October, alongside the remains of four other individuals, but specifics regarding demands in return were not clarified. Witkoff dismissed this overture, suggesting that Hamas seeks to maintain a public image of flexibility while being entrenched in their negotiations.
The ramifications of this ongoing struggle are stark. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is serious, with over 90% of homes damaged and healthcare facilities incapacitated. Humanitarian groups report that a significant portion of Gaza's population, totaling around 2.1 million, has suffered repeated displacements, while basic resources such as food, fuel, and medical supplies are in critically short supply.
As the deadline approaches without a resolution, the US administration reiterated its commitment to respond decisively if an agreement is not reached soon. The statements from both sides signal that unless significant concessions are made, the outlook for a long-term ceasefire remains bleak.
The ceasefire, originally brokered in January after a protracted conflict that lasted for 15 months, had seen limited success, and the first phase was intended to conclude at the beginning of March. As part of the arrangement, Hamas released 25 live Israeli hostages and agreed to return the remains of eight others, while Israel reciprocated by freeing approximately 1,800 Palestinian prisoners.
Despite proposals from US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to expand the truce until mid-April, with a further hostages exchange plan, the divide between Hamas and Israel has only widened. Israeli officials, yet to formally comment, have asserted that Netanyahu's government accepted the US's terms; however, Hamas's refusal to adjust its stance has led to a stalemate. Witkoff expressed concern about Hamas's strategic calculations, indicating that the organization seems to misjudge the pressure they are under.
Hamas, on the other hand, claims negotiations have collapsed due to Israeli intransigence. In a statement, they indicated readiness to release the last known Israeli-American hostage, Edan Alexander, previously captured in the attacks of 7 October, alongside the remains of four other individuals, but specifics regarding demands in return were not clarified. Witkoff dismissed this overture, suggesting that Hamas seeks to maintain a public image of flexibility while being entrenched in their negotiations.
The ramifications of this ongoing struggle are stark. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is serious, with over 90% of homes damaged and healthcare facilities incapacitated. Humanitarian groups report that a significant portion of Gaza's population, totaling around 2.1 million, has suffered repeated displacements, while basic resources such as food, fuel, and medical supplies are in critically short supply.
As the deadline approaches without a resolution, the US administration reiterated its commitment to respond decisively if an agreement is not reached soon. The statements from both sides signal that unless significant concessions are made, the outlook for a long-term ceasefire remains bleak.
