Israeli diplomats to hold new Gaza truce talks next week
A woman stands holding a child surrounded by the rubble of buildings destroyed during Israeli bombardment in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on Jun. 23, 2024. (AFP Photo)
Israel acknowledged Friday that gaps remain with the Palestinian resistance group Hamas over securing a Gaza cease-fire and hostage release. However, it announced plans to send a delegation for new talks with Qatari mediators next week.
The statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s spokesman followed a meeting led by Mossad chief David Barnea with mediators in Doha.
“Next week, Israeli negotiators will travel to Doha to continue the talks. There are still gaps between the parties,” the spokesman said.
The nine-month Gaza conflict saw a brief truce in November when 80 Israeli captives were exchanged for 240 Palestinian prisoners. Despite U.S. mediation efforts with Qatar and Egypt, significant differences persist.
A senior U.S. official expressed optimism, noting a potential “significant opening” for an agreement.
The conflict, which began with Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel resulting in 1,195 deaths, has caused extensive casualties and damage. Israeli airstrikes have killed over 38,000 people in Gaza, primarily civilians.
US mediation continues
U.S. President Joe Biden announced a proposed truce in May, including a six-week ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, but talks have since stalled. Hamas official Osama Hamdan stated that new proposals have been shared with U.S. mediators, placing the onus on Israel to respond.
The war has devastated Gaza, displacing 90% of its population and causing severe shortages, including in the health sector. The World Health Organization highlighted the critical fuel shortage impacting medical services.
Israeli protests continue, demanding a deal to free hostages, while Netanyahu maintains that the war will only end with the destruction of Hamas’s military capabilities.
Israel acknowledged Friday that gaps remain with Hamas over securing a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release. However, it announced plans to send a delegation for new talks with Qatari mediators next week.
The statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s spokesman followed a meeting led by Mossad chief David Barnea with mediators in Doha.
“Next week, Israeli negotiators will travel to Doha to continue the talks. There are still gaps between the parties,” the spokesman said.
The nine-month Gaza conflict saw a brief truce in November when 80 Israeli captives were exchanged for 240 Palestinian prisoners. Despite U.S. mediation efforts with Qatar and Egypt, significant differences persist.
A senior U.S. official expressed optimism, noting a potential “significant opening” for an agreement.
The conflict, which began with Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel resulting in 1,195 deaths, has caused extensive casualties and damage. Israeli airstrikes have killed over 38,000 people in Gaza, primarily civilians.
U.S. President Joe Biden announced a proposed truce in May, including a six-week ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, but talks have since stalled. Hamas official Osama Hamdan stated that new proposals have been shared with U.S. mediators, placing the onus on Israel to respond.
The war has devastated Gaza, displacing 90% of its population and causing severe shortages, including in the health sector.
The World Health Organization highlighted the critical fuel shortage impacting medical services.
Israeli protests continue, demanding a deal to free hostages, while Netanyahu maintains that the war will only end with the destruction of Hamas’s military capabilities.
