Israeli negotiators are traveling to Qatar to further discuss an extension of the fragile ceasefire in Gaza, as tensions rise amid electricity cuts by Israel. Significant disagreements about the next phase of the ceasefire remain, with Hamas pushing for negotiations while Israel seeks an extension. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is critical, worsened by aid suspensions and power outages.
Israeli negotiators are heading to Doha for discussions aimed at extending a fragile ceasefire in Gaza, following Israel’s recent cessation of electricity supplies to exert pressure on Hamas. The initial phase of the truce, which ended on March 1, saw no consensus on the next steps to secure a lasting peace, although hostilities have largely ceased since Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023.
Currently, significant disagreements remain over the terms for a potential second phase of the truce. Hamas is advocating for immediate negotiations, whereas Israel favors extending the current ceasefire. Amidst this impasse, Israel has halted aid deliveries and is implementing power cuts to compel Hamas to release hostages.
Israeli 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 electricity cutoff has major implications, particularly for Gaza’s sole desalination plant, which relies on this power supply, forcing the population to depend on solar power and generators.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to decline, with hundreds of thousands of individuals now living in makeshift tents, facing nighttime temperatures as low as 12 degrees Celsius (54 Fahrenheit). Hamas official Izzat al-Rishq criticized Israel’s decision, labeling it a “desperate attempt to pressure our people and their resistance.”
Hamas has outlined requirements for the second phase of the ceasefire, including a substantial hostage exchange, a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, a permanent ceasefire, and the reopening of border crossings. Former President Joe Biden has discussed terms for the second phase involving the return of hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.
In meetings held in Cairo, Hamas representatives have engaged with mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. US envoy Adam Boehler, who recently spoke directly with Hamas officials, expressed optimism about reaching an agreement within weeks to secure the release of hostages, noting that there are still 58 individuals in captivity, including confirmed deceased.
The initial truce, effective from January 19, significantly reduced violence after extensive hostilities, allowing for exchanges of hostages for Palestinians held in Israeli custody and facilitating vital humanitarian aid to the region. However, recent aid suspensions have led to accusations from UN experts of “weaponising starvation,” with local shortages worsening.
In the wake of the ongoing conflict, the humanitarian impact has been severe. The death toll from Hamas’s attack in October reached 1,218 on the Israeli side, primarily civilians, while Israel’s military response has resulted in at least 48,458 fatalities in Gaza, also predominantly civilians. The escalating crisis underscores the urgency for diplomatic resolutions and humanitarian interventions.
The ongoing negotiations in Qatar highlight the complexities surrounding the Gaza ceasefire, with both Israel and Hamas holding divergent views on proposed terms. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, exacerbated by Israel’s cutoff of aid and electricity, making discussions critical for alleviating the dire situation. As talks progress, the potential for a long-term resolution remains contingent on mutual agreements regarding hostages and military presence.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
