Hamas-Israel Ceasefire
The initial round of indirect ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel, held in Doha, Qatar, concluded without any significant progress, according to two Palestinian sources familiar with the discussions.
The sources, speaking on Monday, revealed that the Israeli delegation present at the talks lacked the authority needed to finalize or even substantially advance any agreement with Hamas.
These latest talks were resumed on Sunday, ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled third visit to the White House since the return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency nearly six months ago.
Expectations had been cautiously optimistic, with international actors hoping the talks would produce a breakthrough amid growing domestic and international pressure to end the war. However, the lack of negotiating power granted to the Israeli delegation appears to have stalled any meaningful development.
“The Israeli delegation is not sufficiently authorized to reach an agreement with Hamas, as it has no real powers,” the Palestinian sources told Reuters after the Doha session. This lack of a clear mandate has cast doubt on Israel’s willingness to compromise at this stage, despite public statements to the contrary.
Before his departure for Washington, Netanyahu had reiterated that Israeli negotiators were instructed to pursue a ceasefire deal—but only under the terms previously approved by Israel. These terms include the release of hostages still held in Gaza and a halt to attacks on Israeli territory, among other security assurances.
Meanwhile, public pressure within Israel continues to mount. On Saturday night, thousands of demonstrators rallied in Tel Aviv’s public square near the Ministry of Defence, demanding a ceasefire agreement and the safe return of the remaining hostages. Protesters held Israeli flags and signs featuring the faces of those still believed to be in captivity, estimated at around 50 individuals.
The ongoing conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, after Hamas launched a deadly assault on southern Israel, has already resulted in massive loss of life and destruction.
Israeli authorities say the attack killed around 1,200 people and led to the abduction of 251 hostages. While some hostages have been released through diplomatic efforts and military operations, an estimated 20 are still believed to be alive in Gaza.
In response, Israel has carried out a relentless military campaign across the Gaza Strip. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, over 57,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes, with tens of thousands more injured.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with widespread displacement, destroyed infrastructure, and an escalating hunger crisis affecting the civilian population.
Despite international calls for de-escalation, the failure of the initial ceasefire talks in Qatar underscores the deep mistrust and hardened positions on both sides. The road to peace remains fraught with political and military obstacles, and without a decisive shift in strategy or intent, the suffering is likely to continue.
