Gaza ceasefire talks falter amid dispute over Israeli troop withdrawal terms

Ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas remain stalled, with negotiators deadlocked over the extent of Israeli troop withdrawals from the Palestinian territory, Reuters reported, citing Israeli and Palestinian sources familiar with the negotiations in Doha.

A Palestinian source familiar with the discussions also told AFP that Israel’s proposal to maintain a military presence in parts of Gaza is delaying a potential 60-day truce.

The indirect talks, backed by the United States and mediated in Qatar, centre around a proposed 60-day truce, the release of remaining hostages, and a phased Israeli military withdrawal. Discussions continued through Saturday, an Israeli official told Reuters, as the two sides traded blame for the impasse.

While both sides have expressed interest in a phased deal, sharp differences remain over territorial control, hostages, and the future course of the war.

A Palestinian source said Hamas had rejected Israeli maps that would leave around 40% of Gaza under Israeli control, including all of Rafah in the south, and significant territory in the north and east.

Hamas is demanding a full withdrawal to positions held before Israel resumed its offensive in March. Israeli officials, however, say Hamas is refusing to compromise.

“The talks aren’t moving because Hamas remains stubborn,” an Israeli official claimed. Hamas, meanwhile, blames Israeli refusal to guarantee an end to the war and full withdrawal as key obstacles. Mediators have reportedly paused until a U.S. envoy arrives in Doha to try to break the deadlock.

Hamas has long insisted it will not release the remaining hostages, nearly 49 individuals, unless there is a binding agreement to end the war. Israel has maintained that it will only agree to a full ceasefire after all hostages are freed and Hamas is dismantled both militarily and politically.

The conflict, now in its 10th month, began when Hamas-led militants launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. At least 20 of the remaining hostages are believed to be alive.

Since then, Israel’s military campaign has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials, and displaced nearly the entire population of over 2 million.

17 KILLED NEAR AID SITE

Gaza medics reported 17 civilians killed near an aid distribution point in Rafah on Saturday— the latest incident in a series of fatal shootings that have drawn international criticism.

According to the United Nations, nearly 800 people have died in similar incidents over the past six weeks.

ISRAELIS DEMAND HOSTAGE DEAL

Meanwhile, thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv on Saturday, demanding that the government secure a deal to bring the remaining hostages home. “Our friends, brothers are in Gaza — it’s time to end this war,” one protester told Reuters.

With talks at a standstill and the humanitarian toll rising, observers say increased US involvement may be needed to break the deadlock and push both sides toward a ceasefire.

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