The Hamas delegation for Gaza truce talks in Cairo was leaving for Qatar after disagreements with Israel intensified over demands to end their seven-month war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that surrendering to the demand to end the war would equate to defeat, leading to accusations of sabotaging the talks by Hamas. The Hamas delegation met with Qatari and Egyptian mediators before departing for Doha for further consultations. Netanyahu also announced the closure of operations in Israel for Al Jazeera, a Qatar-based news channel that covered the conflict extensively. The impact of the Gaza war has been felt around the world, with protests by pro-Palestinian university students mimicking those in the United States.
The Gaza conflict began following Hamas’s attack on Israel in October, resulting in the deaths of over 1,100 people. Israel retaliated with an offensive that killed thousands in Gaza, mostly women and children. Reports of shelling, gunfire, and missile strikes continue in Gaza, with residents expressing a desire for a permanent ceasefire. Displaced individuals in Gaza expressed hopelessness regarding the success of negotiations and the ongoing violence. The civilian toll in Gaza has strained relations between Israel and the United States, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken stating that the only thing preventing a ceasefire is Hamas.
Negotiators met in Cairo without an Israeli delegation present, with proposals for a 40-day pause in fighting and an exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners. The Hamas delegation insisted on a truce that explicitly included an end to the war and Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza. Netanyahu vowed not to let Hamas regain control of Gaza and rejected their demands, stating that Israel would continue fighting until all goals were achieved. Haniyeh accused Netanyahu of constant justifications for aggression and sabotaging mediation efforts. Previous negotiation attempts were hindered by Hamas’s demand for a lasting ceasefire and Netanyahu’s objectives to eliminate remaining fighters in Gazan.
Despite calls from aid groups, the United Nations, and world leaders for greater access, aid crossings in Gaza remain a concern. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant previously mentioned a complete siege to block supplies, leading to some improvements with the reopening of the Kerem Shalom border crossing for aid in December. However, the crossing was closed again after being targeted from the Rafah area. In their October attack, militants took hostages, with some still remaining in Gaza. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum urged Netanyahu to disregard political pressure and reach a resolution.
Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group, launched rockets at northern Israel in retaliation for a strike on south Lebanon that caused casualties. Efforts to reach a truce agreement between Israel and Hamas continue, with calls from various parties for a comprehensive agreement. The unrest in the Middle East involving Hezbollah and Israeli forces adds to the complexity of the situation. French President Emmanuel Macron encouraged Netanyahu to reach a deal in negotiations with Hamas. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has global implications and remains a challenge for all parties involved.
