Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas regarding a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of dozens of Israeli hostages held in the sector have stumbled, as reported by The New York Times.
Drawing information from several individuals familiar with the talks, the paper reported that these developments diminish hopes of reaching an agreement before the onset of Ramadan next week.
Negotiators have been discussing a proposal for a 6-week preliminary ceasefire, during which Hamas would release about 40 hostages, including women, the elderly, the sick, and 5 Israeli female soldiers, in exchange for a larger number of Palestinian prisoners.
According to sources familiar with the talks, the main sticking point has been Hamas’s demand for Israel to commit to a permanent ceasefire, either immediately or after three stages of hostage exchange.
A regional official stated that Israel, with U.S. support, rejected Hamas’s demand, preferring to focus on hostage exchange negotiations and insisting on an agreement for only the first phase of the hostage swap deal.
The discussions included terms for Israel to release at least 15 Palestinian prisoners convicted of “committing serious acts,” to be exchanged for the female soldiers, with conditions also stipulating that Israel would release hundreds of other prisoners at a rate of 10 Palestinians for each released Israeli civilian.
U.S. officials expressed hope for an agreement to release some hostages and a temporary halt to the fighting before Ramadan, a sentiment echoed by President Joe Biden last week.
However, in recent days, Hamas presented demands that Israel refused, according to officials familiar with the Doha talks, which recently moved to Cairo.
John Kirby, the National Security Council spokesman at the White House, expressed disappointment at the failure to reach an agreement but remained confident in the negotiated terms, stating, “It’s just about getting Hamas to sign.” This aligns with Biden’s previous comment that “the ball is in Hamas’s court.”
Kirby mentioned significant regress on the details, indicating that not all had been finalized. A regional official pointed out that the main disagreement remains Hamas’s insistence on a permanent ceasefire during or after the three phases of hostage release, which Israel rejects.
Israel wishes to focus on the terms of just the first phase, a stance supported by Washington. So far, discussions have centered on the potential release of the forty hostages, out of around 100 remaining.
The Israeli delegation did not attend the Cairo meetings, and Israeli officials believe there was broad consensus on the first phase of the agreement, but “Hamas is renewing its efforts for broader demands.”
According to the New York Times, in addition to a permanent ceasefire, Hamas also demands the withdrawal of Israeli forces from northern Gaza after the third phase of the hostage release and increased aid to the sector, with a guarantee that half would go to the north. Israeli officials stated these demands could be negotiated between the Israeli government and Hamas.
