Negotiations between Israel and Hamas over a hostage deal and ceasefire in Gaza have hit a stalemate, but are still ongoing with proposals being exchanged. CIA Director Bill Burns presented a proposal that was accepted by Israel but rejected by Hamas. Israel then decided to withdraw their negotiators from Doha after the rejection. Hamas has not agreed to Israel’s requests for a complete ceasefire, withdrawal of forces from Gaza, and the return of displaced people to their homes, in addition to the prisoner exchange deal.
In the proposed deal, Israel would release around 700 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 40 Israeli hostages, with the releases taking place during the first phase of a ceasefire expected to last six weeks. However, other key points of discussion for the first phase including the return of displaced Gazans, humanitarian aid for Gaza, and the locations of Israeli troops are still being debated. Hamas has demanded discussions on ending the war and the full withdrawal of IDF troops from Gaza, which Israel has refused to engage on, insisting on dismantling Hamas.
American officials have noted progress in the talks but acknowledge the complexity and slow nature of the negotiations. Hamas negotiators need to consult with the head of the group in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, who is believed to be in an underground tunnel system. There were criticisms from the State Department regarding an inaccurate statement made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, and the failure to achieve a ceasefire could lead to Israel launching a ground offensive into Rafah in southern Gaza, which the US has warned against without a coherent plan to ensure the safety of Palestinians.
Israel’s Defense Minister visited Washington for meetings with top Biden administration officials but did not reach agreements on how to proceed with an operation in Rafah. The US advised Israel to find an alternative to a major assault on Rafah, but Israeli officials maintained their stance on eliminating the remaining Hamas battalions in the area. The discussions and negotiations are ongoing and the situation remains fluid with potential for further developments.
