Gaza City: Mediators have been shuttling between Israel and Hamas negotiators since July 6 as they scramble to end nearly two years of war in Gaza where fears of mass starvation are growing. Through 21 months of fighting, both sides have clung to long-held positions, preventing two short-lived truces from being converted into a lasting ceasefire. The stakes are higher now with growing numbers of starvation deaths in the Palestinian territory casting a spotlight on Israel's refusal to allow in more aid.
According to TRTworld.com, after more than two weeks of negotiation efforts by mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, talks are at a standstill. The proposal on the table involves a 60-day ceasefire and the release of ten living hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Hamas insists any agreement must include guarantees of a lasting end to the war. Israel rejects any such guarantees, insisting that Hamas must give up its capacity to fight or govern as a prerequisite for peace.
Karim Bitar, a lecturer in Middle Eastern studies at Paris's Sciences Po university, stated that neither Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nor Hamas leaders in Gaza have a vested interest in quickly reaching a comprehensive ceasefire due to domestic political considerations. Both parties may face serious questions from their constituencies if a swift resolution is achieved. While Israeli officials have expressed openness to compromise, military operations have expanded into previously untouched areas of Gaza since the war began in October 2023.
Logistical issues further complicate negotiations. Israeli media have reported that Hamas negotiators in Doha cannot directly communicate with the military leadership in Gaza to approve Israeli pullback maps. Bitar noted growing disconnects between the Hamas leadership in Gaza and negotiators in Doha, creating technical challenges. Andreas Krieg, a Middle East analyst at King's College London, highlighted that while talks are progressing technically, they are approaching a stalemate in practical terms.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is escalating, with more than two million people facing severe food shortages. Over 100 NGOs have warned of "mass starvation," and the head of Gaza's largest hospital reported 21 children dying from malnutrition and starvation over three days. Krieg emphasized the mounting humanitarian pressure on Hamas, which could lead to an interim deal to alleviate suffering. However, the potential for a lasting ceasefire remains uncertain without increased pressure on Israel by the United States and Qatar.