Israel is sending a delegation to Doha for ceasefire extension talks in Gaza, following the electricity cutoff aimed at pressuring Hamas. The first phase of the truce ended on March 1 without a new agreement, although fighting has largely ceased since then. The discussions face significant differences over terms, including hostages and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, amidst worsening humanitarian conditions.
Israel is scheduled to dispatch a delegation to Doha for renewed discussions aimed at extending a tenuous ceasefire in Gaza. This decision follows Israel’s recent electricity supply cutoff to exert pressure on Hamas. The initial phase of this truce concluded on March 1 without a consensus on subsequent phases to secure a lasting peace, although both parties have largely refrained from escalating hostilities since the ceasefire’s inception.
Significant differences remain concerning the terms of a potential second phase of the truce, which had succeeded in reducing violence following Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. Hamas has consistently requested immediate negotiations for the next phase, while Israel advocates for an extension of the existing ceasefire. Amidst this impasse, Israel has halted aid deliveries to Gaza and announced the electricity cut to compel Hamas to release hostages.
Energy Minister Eli Cohen stated, “We will use all the tools at our disposal to bring back the hostages and ensure that Hamas is no longer in Gaza the day after” the conflict. Historically, such measures recall the early days of the war when Israel imposed a “siege” on Gaza by disconnecting the electricity supply. Currently, Gazans depend mainly on solar panels and fuel-powered generators for power.
The humanitarian crisis persists, as hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are displaced and living in tents with nighttime temperatures dropping to around 12 degrees Celsius (54 Fahrenheit). Top Hamas official Izzat al-Rishq condemned the electricity cessation as a “desperate attempt to pressure our people and their resistance.”
In pursuit of a long-term truce, Hamas has reiterated the necessity for the second phase to include a comprehensive hostage-prisoner exchange, an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, a permanent ceasefire, and the reopening of border crossings. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem urged mediators, including Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, to ensure compliance with the terms. Former President Joe Biden proposed that a successful second phase would also entail a hostage release and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Recently, U.S. envoy Adam Boehler indicated that a resolution might be achievable within weeks to secure the release of all remaining hostages. Among the 251 hostages taken during the October 7 incident, 58 remain in Gaza, including confirmed fatalities among some hostages. Boehler remarked on CNN that a potential agreement could facilitate the release of all prisoners, not just those holding American nationality.
In a backdrop of escalating tensions, key players in the conflict have stated their positions firmly. U.S. President Donald Trump previously issued warnings to Hamas concerning the release of hostages, while proposing high-stakes solutions that have met with resistance from Arab leaders. The initial ceasefire phase, which commenced on January 19, provided crucial humanitarian aid amidst widespread suffering and displacement in Gaza, although Israel’s recent suspension of this assistance led to accusations of “weaponising starvation.”
In summary, Israel’s delegation is engaging in renewed talks in Doha to extend the current truce in Gaza as humanitarian conditions worsen with ongoing electricity and aid cuts. The discussions face challenges due to conflicting demands from both Hamas and Israel regarding the terms of a potential second phase. The situation highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive resolution to facilitate humanitarian aid and ensure the release of remaining hostages. Ultimately, the future of peace in the region hinges on successful negotiation efforts among the involved parties and mediators.
Original Source: www.newstopicnews.com
