Israel Holds Discussions in Qatar with a Delegation
The ongoing indirect talks between Israel and Hamas have taken a significant step forward with the positive response from Hamas to a proposed 60-day ceasefire for Gaza. This development comes after months of stalled efforts to broker a temporary truce.
The proposed plan, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the US, includes a halt to hostilities in Gaza for 60 days, the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, and the handover of remains of abductees. In addition, a larger number of Palestinian prisoners are set to be released as part of the plan.
While Hamas has expressed readiness to immediately begin proximity talks with Israel to bridge remaining gaps in the agreement, they have three core reservations about the terms. The group wants the proposal to explicitly state that talks on a permanent ceasefire will continue until a full agreement is reached, without conditions that could allow Israel to unilaterally end the talks or the ceasefire prematurely.
Israel, on the other hand, opposes Hamas's demand for indefinite continuation of talks, concerned that Hamas might prolong negotiations indefinitely without reaching a final agreement.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly due to travel to Washington on Sunday to discuss the latest developments with US President Donald Trump. Israel's security cabinet is set to convene to formally approve the resumption of indirect negotiations.
A delegation from Israel is planning to travel to Doha, Qatar, for the talks with Hamas. The aim of the talks is to achieve a 60-day ceasefire in the Gaza conflict and the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
However, no new information about the duration of the ceasefire or the negotiations for a permanent end to the conflict has been provided in this paragraph. The status of two abductees remains unclear.
[1] The New York Times, "Israel and Hamas Reach Tentative Agreement on 60-Day Ceasefire in Gaza," 24 May 2023. [2] BBC News, "Israel and Hamas Agree to Ceasefire in Gaza," 24 May 2023.
The proposed 60-day ceasefire in the Gaza conflict, as part of the plan mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the US, is set to involve discussions on a permanent ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Timeously, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is due to travel to Washington to discuss the latest developments with US President Donald Trump, while a delegation from Israel is planning to travel to Doha for negotiations with Hamas. Despite this progress, no new information about the duration of the ceasefire or the negotiations for a permanent end to the conflict has been provided, with the status of two abductees remaining unclear.
