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In a statement released on Friday, Israel acknowledged that there are still “gaps” to be bridged with Hamas regarding a ceasefire and the release of hostages.
However, they have agreed to send a delegation for further negotiations with Qatari mediators in Doha next week, as confirmed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s spokesman.
Despite a one-week pause in November that allowed for the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinians held in Israeli prisons, the nine-month-old war in Gaza has not seen a lasting truce.
United States optimistic about reaching agreement
The United States, alongside Qatar and Egypt, has been actively involved in mediating a deal. The decision by Netanyahu to send a delegation to Qatar has been seen as a positive step by the United States, which believes that there is a significant opportunity for an agreement to be reached.
US President Joe Biden proposed a pathway to a truce deal in May, which included a six-week ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza population centers, and the release of hostages by Palestinian militants.
While talks have stalled, a new proposal from Hamas has been seen as a positive development by a US official, although there is still significant work to be done.
Gaza war continues to devastate lives and infrastructure
The conflict in Gaza, which has raised concerns about a wider conflagration involving Lebanon, began when Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on southern Israel in October.
The toll has been devastating, with a reported 1,195 deaths, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures. In response, Israel launched a military offensive resulting in at least 38,011 deaths, also mostly civilians, based on figures from the health ministry in Gaza.
Hamas official blames Israel
Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan has placed blame on Israel for the deadlock, stating that the upcoming talks in Doha will test the US administration’s willingness to pressure Israel to accept proposed ideas.
The war has resulted in the displacement of 90 percent of Gaza’s population, widespread destruction of infrastructure, and approximately 500,000 people facing dire hunger, according to UN agencies.
The main obstacle to a truce deal has been Hamas’s demand for a permanent end to the fighting, a demand strongly rejected by Netanyahu and his far-right coalition partners. Netanyahu is expected to meet with President Biden during his visit to Washington on July 24.
The World Health Organization has warned of further disruptions to health services in Gaza due to a severe fuel shortage. The sector requires 80,000 liters of fuel daily, but only 90,000 liters entered Gaza on Wednesday, forcing difficult choices for the WHO and its partners.
Cease fire could help reduce violence
US officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, are hopeful that a ceasefire in Gaza could lead to a reduction in violence along the Israel-Lebanon border. The Iran-backed Hezbollah movement in Lebanon has been engaging in cross-border fire with the Israeli army in support of Hamas.
Retaliating against Israeli strikes on homes in southern Lebanon, Hezbollah fired rockets at a village and two military positions in northern Israel. In response, Israel fired artillery at several sites in southern Lebanon.
Reports have emerged of white phosphorus shells being fired from Israeli positions, though the Israeli army maintains that it adheres to international law in its use of munitions.
Further coordination and resistance efforts are being planned as Hamas’s foreign relations chief Khalil al-Hayya met with Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. These discussions will contribute to the upcoming truce negotiations.
Check also;
- Israel- Hamas Cease Fire Is Enacted, Palestinians Jubilate
- Diplomatic Initiatives Intensify To Broker Israel-Hamas Ceasefire
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