Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, has suspended negotiations with Israel regarding a proposed hostage release plan. The group is demanding that Israel withdraw its troops from the Gaza Strip before any progress can be made. Qatar, acting as a mediator between the two parties, relayed this suspension to Israel on Wednesday. Hamas is insisting on a “package deal” that includes the complete removal of Israeli forces from Gaza during the first phase of the agreement, while Israel prefers to negotiate one stage of a ceasefire at a time.
The suspension of negotiations comes as the war between Israel and Hamas enters its fourth month without a long-term agreement. Despite this setback, Israeli officials believe there is still a chance for a ceasefire to be brokered. Earlier this week, anonymous officials revealed that a ceasefire was on the table. Prior to Hamas’ demand for the withdrawal of Israeli troops, the two sides were discussing the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners during a month-long ceasefire. This break in hostilities would also provide an opportunity to release over 130 hostages still held in Gaza and deliver additional aid to the region.
The mediation talks between Qatar, Washington, and Egypt were described as “intensive” by one source. Hamas initially proposed a several-month-long break, but Israel disagreed, and the timeframe was reduced to approximately 30 days. The main point of contention between the two groups is their approach to negotiations. Hamas wants to determine the future conditions of a permanent ceasefire before moving forward, while Israel prefers to negotiate one stage at a time.
Hamas is adamant about reaching a “package deal” agreement for a permanent ceasefire before releasing any hostages. The communication between Israel and Hamas is solely through mediators. The mediators are working to convince Hamas to accept a one-month truce followed by a permanent ceasefire. However, Hamas has refused this proposal without guarantees from Israel that the conflict will not restart.
In November, a week-long truce allowed for the release of over 100 hostages and approximately 240 Palestinian prisoners. Israel allegedly offered to end the war if Hamas removed six senior officials from Gaza, but Hamas rejected the proposal. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 people in southern Israel and over 25,000 Palestinians.
Despite the current impasse, there is still hope for a resolution. One source involved in the negotiations believes that a deal could be reached “at any minute.” Both sides continue to hold firm to their positions, but the possibility of a ceasefire remains on the table.