Negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Qatar on a new Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal have stalled after three days of indirect talks, a Palestinian official has told the BBC.
The official said key sticking points included how aid would be distributed during the ceasefire and Israeli troop withdrawals.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is visiting the US and hopes of a deal had been raised as he had an unscheduled second meeting with President Donald Trump on Tuesday.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff also said they were now “down to one” unresolved issue at the Doha talks and that he was hopeful of an agreement on a 60-day ceasefire by the end of this week.
Why is the Gaza truce deadlock persisting?
One of the main reasons behind the persistence of the Gaza truce deadlock is the deep-rooted animosity between the Israeli government and Hamas, the militant group that controls the Gaza Strip. Years of conflict and bloodshed have created a climate of distrust and hostility that makes it difficult for both parties to come to a agreement. Additionally, the lack of a neutral mediator to facilitate the negotiations further complicates the situation.
Another factor contributing to the deadlock is the differing objectives of the two sides. Israel is primarily concerned with its security and the prevention of terrorist attacks from Gaza, while Hamas seeks an end to the Israeli blockade and the recognition of its authority in the region. These conflicting interests make it challenging for the parties to find common ground and reach a compromise.
However, it is unclear if much progress has so far been made during the four rounds of talks that have taken place in Doha since Sunday.
A Palestinian official with knowledge of the negotiations told the BBC on Wednesday that they remained stalled.
According to the official, the impasse is due to the Israeli delegation’s refusal to allow the unrestricted entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza through UN agencies and other international organisations.
Israel was insisting on maintaining what the official described as “the current humiliating mechanism” for aid distribution – a reference to the US- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which uses private security contractors to bypass the UN.
The source also noted that Israel continued to reject calls for the withdrawal of its forces from areas of Gaza it has occupied since 18 March – when Israel resumed its offensive, collapsing the last ceasefire – further complicating progress in the negotiations.
Qatar – which is acting as a mediator, along with the US and Egypt – also warned that more time was needed for a breakthrough.
“I don’t think that I can give any timeline at the moment, but I can say right now that we will need time for this,” Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesman, Majed al-Ansari, said on Tuesday.
With the talks intended to provide a path to ending the 21-month war, it is little surprise that they are experiencing difficulties.
But the Trump administration appears to remain upbeat for now, with Witkoff still due to head to Doha at some point in the coming days.
What are the implications of the Gaza truce deadlock?
The persistence of the Gaza truce deadlock has dire consequences for the region. The lack of a lasting ceasefire perpetuates the cycle of violence and insecurity, leading to the loss of innocent lives on both sides. The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with basic services such as water, healthcare, and education severely lacking.
Moreover, the ongoing conflict hampers efforts for peace and stability in the Middle East. The unresolved tensions between Israel and Hamas have the potential to escalate into a full-blown war, dragging neighboring countries into the fray and further destabilizing the region. The international community has a vested interest in resolving the Gaza truce deadlock to prevent further bloodshed and promote peace in the region.
The Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.
At least 57,575 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry.
Most of Gaza’s population has also been displaced multiple times. More than 90% of homes are estimated to be damaged or destroyed; the healthcare, water, sanitation and hygiene systems have collapsed; and there are shortages of food, fuel, medicine and shelter.
Meta-description: The Gaza truce deadlock continues to linger after talks between Netanyahu and Trump, with dire implications for the region’s stability. What are the reasons behind this persistent deadlock, and what are its implications on the Middle East?