Israel is sending negotiators to Qatar for vital talks on extending a ceasefire in Gaza after cutting electricity to pressure Hamas. Ongoing deadlock persists over the terms of the next truce phase, with demands for hostage exchanges, a full withdrawal of Israeli forces, and an end to the blockade. Humanitarian conditions in Gaza have deteriorated significantly.
Israeli negotiators are scheduled to travel to Doha on Monday to engage in discussions aimed at extending a precarious ceasefire in Gaza. This move follows Israel’s recent decision to cut off the electricity supply to increase pressure on Hamas, amidst the absence of an agreement for subsequent phases following the initial truce phase that ended on March 1. Both parties have so far refrained from full-scale military actions since then.
Disparities remain significant regarding the terms of the anticipated second phase of the truce, which has, until now, largely curtailed violence that resumed after Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. While Hamas insists on immediate negotiations for the next phase, Israel advocates for the continuation of the current ceasefire.
Israel’s cessation of aid deliveries to Gaza contributes to the ongoing stalemate, compounded by the recently announced power cut aimed at pressuring 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.
The sole power line linking Israel and Gaza is crucial for the region’s main desalination plant, and Gazans now predominantly rely on solar panels and generators for electricity. The humanitarian situation is dire, with hundreds of thousands of Palestinians residing in tents amid falling nighttime temperatures.
Hamas officials have publicly criticized Israel’s actions, labeling the power cut a desperate measure in their struggle for resistance. They demand that subsequent phases of the truce include comprehensive hostage exchanges, a withdrawal of Israeli forces, a permanent ceasefire, and reopening of the border crossings to alleviate the blockade’s impact.
US envoy Adam Boehler recently indicated that a deal securing the release of all remaining hostages could be reached imminently, emphasizing the importance of a “long-term truce”. Of the 251 hostages taken during the October 7 assault, 58 remain captive, despite prior prisoner exchanges during the initial phase of the truce, which eased tensions following extensive conflict in the region.
The humanitarian crisis has drawn international attention, with reports of starvation tactics employed amid severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies as a result of the blockade. Local residents express despair over worsening conditions, highlighting the high prices and lack of resources in Gaza, further exacerbated by recent Israeli aid cuts.
The impact of the recent conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with extensive loss of civilian life. A collaborative approach involving regional actors and international mediators may prove essential in addressing the ongoing issues and moving towards a lasting resolution.
In conclusion, the ongoing negotiations in Qatar signal critical developments in efforts to secure a lasting peace following the recent hostilities in Gaza. The precarious ceasefire has temporarily halted violence but has not yet addressed the underlying issues regarding hostages and humanitarian aid. With both sides holding firm on their demands, the international community’s involvement remains essential for achieving a sustainable solution amidst a dire humanitarian situation.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
