Israeli negotiators are headed to Doha for talks on extending a ceasefire in Gaza, following tensions over hostage situations and humanitarian crises. Recent Israeli actions include cutting off electricity and halting aid to pressure Hamas. Disagreements persist regarding a second phase of the truce that could include comprehensive agreements on hostages and ceasefire terms, while local conditions continue to deteriorate significantly.
On Monday, Israeli negotiators will arrive in Doha for discussions aimed at extending a fragile ceasefire in Gaza, following Israel’s recent decision to cut off electrical supplies to increase pressure on Hamas. The initial stage of the truce concluded on March 1 without an agreement on subsequent phases, although both parties have largely avoided full-scale conflict since then. Significant differences remain regarding the terms for a renewed ceasefire, which has mitigated violence since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
Hamas has continually urged for immediate negotiations about the next phase, whereas Israel advocates for prolonging the existing ceasefire. Amid these negotiations, Israel has suspended aid deliveries to Gaza and has implemented an electricity cut in an effort to compel Hamas to release hostages. “We will use all the tools at our disposal to bring back the hostages and ensure that Hamas is no longer in Gaza the day after” the war, stated Energy Minister Eli Cohen regarding the power cut.
The electricity cut has returned to practices resembling the initial days of the conflict, when Israel first imposed a “siege” on Gaza, disrupting power supplies which were not reinstated until mid-2024. Currently, Gazans primarily depend on solar panels and fuel generators for electricity, facing dire living conditions as temperatures drop significantly. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are living in tents, battling extremely low nighttime temperatures of about 12 degrees Celsius (54 Fahrenheit).
Hamas officials have denounced Israel’s decision to cut electricity, claiming it is a “desperate attempt to pressure our people and their resistance”. The group has insisted that the second phase of the truce, under the mediation of Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, must incorporate a comprehensive hostage-prisoner exchange, a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, a permanent ceasefire, and the reopening of border crossings.
Spokesman Hazem Qassem expressed that Hamas expects mediators to ensure Israel adheres to the proposed agreements for the next phase. Meanwhile, former US President Joe Biden indicated that the second phase would encompass a hostage release alongside an Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza. Recent talks between Hamas and mediators took place in Cairo, as confirmed by a Hamas statement.
US envoy Adam Boehler reported significant progress, stating that a deal could be achieved “within weeks” for securing all remaining hostages. Of the 251 hostages taken during the October 7 attack, 58 are still believed to be in Gaza. There is ongoing speculation regarding a broader deal for the release of prisoners, with Boehler affirming that efforts include many hostages beyond just American nationals.
In February, President Donald Trump issued a stern “last warning” to Hamas, threatening increased destruction should all hostages not be released. The truce that commenced on January 19 proved to be a pivotal effort to diminish hostilities after an extended fighting period, which had severely displaced nearly the entire population of Gaza’s 2.4 million residents. The initial ceasefire phase facilitated critical aid, including food and medical supplies, although Israel’s recent aid suspension has drawn accusations of utilizing starvation as a tactic.
Consequently, local residents, like Abu Mahmoud Salman, highlighted the extreme difficulties faced as markets remain empty and prices soar due to the blockade. “There is nothing available… the situation in Gaza is difficult,” he lamented. The conflict’s humanitarian toll is tremendous, with Hamas’s October attack claiming 1,218 lives in Israel while Israel’s retaliatory actions have resulted in at least 48,458 fatalities in Gaza, primarily affecting civilians according to reports from both sides.
In summary, ongoing negotiations in Doha aim to extend the fragile ceasefire in Gaza amidst rising tensions and humanitarian challenges. Disagreements remain over the conditions of a potential second phase of the truce, particularly concerning hostage exchanges and aid provisions. The situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate due to power outages and aid restrictions, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis, while both parties appear to remain entrenched in their positions regarding future negotiations.
Original Source: www.newstopicnews.com
