Ceasefire optimism has sharply declined as talks between Hamas and Israel in Doha face fundamental disagreements over control of Gaza’s territory and humanitarian aid routes.
Despite weeks of mediation by Qatar, the US, and Egypt, negotiators are stalled, with both sides blaming each other for the deadlock and new violence erupting throughout the Strip.
Why are Israel and Hamas deadlocked over a Gaza truce?
Negotiations appear “on the verge of collapse,” according to Palestinian officials, who accuse Israel of intentionally slowing the process during Netanyahu’s visit to Washington. Israel’s latest delegation reportedly lacked decision-making authority, dragging out discussions on Israeli troop withdrawals and the delivery of life-saving aid.
Israeli officials talk of releasing half the living hostages held by Hamas and over half of the deceased but remain unwilling to fully withdraw their forces without strict guarantees on future security. Hamas, meanwhile, is pushing for a complete Israeli pullback as a precondition for ending hostilities.
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The latest US-backed proposal outlines a phased release of hostages and mapped Israeli troop withdrawals, but previous deals have repeatedly unraveled over disagreements about territory and the war’s end date.
Can international mediators break the impasse on territory and aid?
The US-backed ceasefire plan envisions a 60-day truce, with staged release of Israeli hostages and the bodies of those killed, in exchange for Palestinian detainees held in Israel. A new aid surge would be overseen by the UN and Red Cross, mapped Israeli withdrawals would start within days, and rapid negotiations would define boundaries.
Still, Hamas has rejected any plan that leaves Israeli troops in large parts of Gaza or involves constructing a controversial “humanitarian city” for displaced Palestinians, a proposal that UN agencies and human rights groups sharply criticize.
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Hostage releases offer little hope as core disputes remain
Although Hamas submitted a “positive response” to the newest truce proposal, their conditions for a permanent end to the war rather than a limited halt remain unmet. Hamas is wary of any deal that might simply pause hostilities while Israeli forces entrench territorial gains.
Israel’s own leadership faces pressure from far-right ministers opposed to any deal that might leave Hamas in power or strip the army of operational freedom in southern Gaza. Netanyahu’s government is also criticized for stalling until the Knesset goes on recess, making political fallout less likely.
Public pressure on both sides grows as violence persists
On the ground, Israeli bombardment continues, with civilian casualties mounting and humanitarian access blocked. Internationally, calls for urgent relief and accountability for all parties grow louder by the day.
As diplomats search for creative solutions and both sides dig in over territory, the possibility of another rapid agreement appears to be slipping away. Still, mediators insist talks will continue, hoping that intense pressure and mass suffering can yet lead the region to real compromise.
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