Senior Hamas official Abdul Rahman Shadid has confirmed that a fresh round of ceasefire talks started on Tuesday in Doha, Qatar. The negotiations, aimed at extending the fragile truce in Gaza, are being approached with a “positive and responsible” outlook by Hamas.
“Our movement is dealing with these negotiations positively and responsibly,” Shadid stated.
Israel’s Position and Humanitarian Concerns
While Israel has also sent a team of negotiators, it has not yet commented on the discussions. Reports indicate that Israel has stopped aid deliveries to Gaza, further intensifying the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Hamas has accused Israel of stalling the process, stating that it refuses to move to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement.
The First Phase of the Truce
The initial ceasefire, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the US, began on January 19, 2024. It brought temporary relief after over 15 months of intense conflict, which had displaced nearly 2.4 million residents in Gaza.
During this phase:
- 25 Israeli hostages and eight bodies were exchanged for 1,800 Palestinian detainees.
- The truce expired in early March without an agreement on its continuation.
Ongoing Violence in Gaza
Despite the ceasefire, Israel continues airstrikes, with four men reportedly killed in Gaza City on Tuesday. The Israeli military claims the attacks targeted militants engaged in suspicious activity.
Role of the US in Negotiations
The US special envoy for hostages, Adam Boehler, recently engaged in direct talks with Hamas, raising hopes for a potential breakthrough. However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio downplayed expectations, calling it a “one-off situation” that has not yet yielded results.
What’s Next?
With both sides holding firm positions, it remains uncertain whether the new round of talks will lead to a lasting ceasefire. The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to worsen, adding pressure on global mediators to find a solution.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing situation.
