Ceasefire Talks Stall in Doha
Talks aimed at securing a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza have run into a stalemate. Palestinian and Israeli sources in Doha say disagreements over the scale and geography of Israeli withdrawals are at the heart of the impasse.
Lines in the Sand
Hamas rejected withdrawal maps that would leave around 40% of the Gaza Strip under Israeli control—including the entire southern area of Rafah and additional territories in the north and east. Israeli sources counter that Hamas wants forces to revert to lines held before the March offensive.
Humanitarian Toll and Hostage Standoff
The crisis isn’t only about territory. Aid distribution and security guarantees are also hanging fire. Proposals call for a phased release of hostages, but deadlines clash: Hamas demands an end to hostilities before freeing captives; Israel insists the fighting can end only once all hostages are released and Hamas is dismantled.
Since the conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, about 1,200 people were killed in the initial Hamas-led attacks, which seized 251 hostages. Of the roughly 50 captives still held, at least 20 are believed to be alive.
Israel’s subsequent campaign has killed over 57,000 Palestinians, displaced nearly all of Gaza’s 2 million residents, and left much of the territory in ruins.
U.S. Envoy Steps In
The White House says President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff, a key architect of the latest ceasefire plan, will head to Doha to join negotiations. As delegations from Israel and Hamas regroup, global eyes will watch whether renewed U.S. intervention can break the deadlock.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
