DOHA, Qatar – Talks to negotiate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza have hit a roadblock, with mediator Qatar expressing pessimism about the progress. Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani remains hopeful but acknowledges that time is not on their side.
The discussion comes as Israel’s prime minister signals a determination to proceed with plans for a ground invasion of Rafah, despite mounting international pressure. Hamas, in turn, blames Israel for the lack of headway in reaching a ceasefire agreement.
In Cairo, senior officials from the US, Israel, Egypt, and Qatar are meeting in an attempt to facilitate a pause in the fighting. Sheik Mohammed, speaking at a meeting of world leaders at the Munich Security Conference, admits that recent patterns have not been very promising, but stresses the importance of remaining optimistic in seeking an agreement at a larger scale.
A major point of contention revolves around the humanitarian aspects of the negotiations, with difficulties in reaching a consensus. The release of hostages held by Hamas has also become a sticking point, with some countries using it as a condition for a ceasefire, according to Sheik Mohammed.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on the other hand, deems Hamas’s demands as “delusional” and insists on pursuing military action, vowing to fight until Israel achieves “absolute victory.” The situation has placed pressure on President Biden to urge Israel to prioritize the safety of civilians and to consider the implications of launching an offensive in Rafah.
Domestically, Netanyahu faces calls for early elections and demands for the return of hostages held in Gaza. Meanwhile, Hamas threatens to suspend its involvement in the talks unless relief supplies are brought into the north of Gaza, raising concerns about the lack of essential resources in the territory.