What is going on with ceasefire talks?
- Phase 1: six-week ceasefire in which Hamas releases some captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners
- Phase 2: permanent end of hostilities and release of the remaining captives
- Phase 3: reconstruction of Gaza and the return of any captives’ remains to Israel
These have been key sticking points in the talks:
- The Palestinians to be released from Israeli jails in Phase 1
- Israeli concerns that Hamas will smuggle weapons from Egypt to Rafah
- Transitioning from a truce to a permanent ceasefire. A key passage is at odds with Netanyahu’s list of “non-negotiable” conditions for Israel to sign a deal, including the destruction of Hamas
The three main issues being discussed in Doha talks today
There’s very limited information coming out from these talks. Israeli media say progress was deemed sufficient for the so-called technical teams to be sent to Doha. We also understand that a technical team is being sent to Egyptian capital Cairo.
There are three main issues in today’s second day of talks in Qatar.
The first is the names of the Palestinian prisoners and the Israeli captives who will be released in the first phase of this three-phase plan put forward by US President Joe Biden in May, that is backed by the UN.
The second involves security and the Israeli military presence in the south of Gaza along the border with Egypt.
The third and arguably the most difficult issue being discussed today is a transition from the first phase to a potentially permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. This is made more difficult on the back of comments made by the Israeli prime minister a few days ago. He said although he is committed to the deal, there are certain non-negotiable elements that he wants guaranteed, including Israel’s ability to keep fighting in Gaza to destroy Hamas.
Last push by the Biden administration to secure ceasefire: Analyst
Tamer Qarmout, an assistant professor of public policy at Doha Institute of Graduate Studies, says he is “quite pessimistic” about the ceasefire negotiations being held in Doha given that “previous rounds of negotiations have failed miserably”.
“We have been hearing that Netanyahu and his defence minister have expressed disagreements over the Gaza truce deal. So, let’s wait and see. There are so many unknown factors,” he told Al Jazeera from Belgrade.
He added that in his opinion this is the last push by the Biden administration to secure a ceasefire in Gaza. “After this push, if things do not work then Americans would be busy with their elections and the Gaza war will be a secondary or third priority for them,” he said.
He also pointed out that Netanyahu has sabotaged many of the past negotiations. “If this round has to succeed, then I think it requires real and sincere American pressure and some deadlines by Washington.”
Hamas says no updates given to group on possible ceasefire deal
Hamas says mediators have not yet provided the group with any updates regarding Gaza ceasefire negotiations and prisoner exchanges.
“The occupation continues its policy of procrastination to buy time with the aim of thwarting this round of negotiations, as it did in previous rounds. This does not deceive our people and their resistance,” Hamas said in a statement.
Ceasefire negotiations are currently under way in Qatar as Israel, Hamas, and mediators try to agree on the details of a possible deal.
