Hamas has decided not to attend Thursday’s cease-fire negotiations with Israel in Qatar due to the lack of assurances that Israel would negotiate based on a proposal dated July 2. The Hamas representative in Lebanon cited the rejection of the July 2 proposal by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas’ lead negotiator, in Tehran as reasons for their decision. Hamas expressed willingness to meet with mediators after the talks if Israel provides a serious response and emphasized the importance of reaching an agreement to stop the violence and suffering in Gaza.
Israel had indicated its willingness to attend the negotiations, but Hamas issued a statement on Monday hinting at their decision not to participate, pointing to the July 2 proposal as a basis for moving forward. Hamas accused Netanyahu of not acting in good faith and of wanting to prolong and expand the conflict in the region. Iran and its proxies blamed Israel for the assassination of Haniyeh and top Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr, leading to concerns of retaliatory attacks by Iran and Hezbollah. Western countries, including the US, UK, Germany, France, and the Vatican, have been trying to prevent further escalation and talk Iran down from retaliating against Israel.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert expressed concerns that if Iran and Hezbollah were to conduct attacks, it could lead to counterattacks by the Israeli military and escalate into a full-blown war involving Middle Eastern and Western countries. White House national security spokesperson John Kirby stated that the Biden administration is preparing for a potential attack on Israel by Iran and its proxies, with officials warning that an attack from Hezbollah and Iran could occur with little to no warning. The situation remains tense as both sides prepare for potential military action and further violence in the region.
The decision by Hamas not to attend the cease-fire negotiations raises concerns about the prospects for peace in the region and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza. The rejection of the July 2 proposal and the assassination of key Hamas and Hezbollah leaders have further complicated efforts to de-escalate tensions and reach a lasting agreement. The involvement of Iran and its proxies adds another layer of complexity to the situation, with fears of retaliatory attacks and the potential for a broader regional conflict involving other countries.
Efforts by Western countries to prevent further escalation and promote dialogue between Israel and Hamas are crucial in preventing a further deterioration of the situation. The Biden administration’s preparations for potential attacks and the involvement of top officials from various countries highlight the seriousness of the situation and the need for immediate action to prevent a larger conflict. The coming days will be crucial in determining the next steps in the conflict and whether both sides can find a way to resume negotiations and work towards a lasting peace agreement in the region.
