It seems that negotiations regarding a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip have reached an impasse. The American newspaper "New York Times" reported today, Thursday, that "the halt in negotiations between the Palestinian Hamas movement and Israel over a hostage exchange deal in Gaza has significantly diminished hopes for a ceasefire before the start of Ramadan." The paper quoted several people described as knowledgeable about the talks stating that "the main point of contention in the negotiations has remained stagnant for weeks."
A regional official, who was unnamed, indicated that "Hamas wanted Israel to commit to a permanent ceasefire either now or after three phases of hostage exchanges." In contrast, the regional official stated that "Israel, with American support, rejected Hamas's demand, preferring to focus on the negotiations for the hostage exchange." He added, "Israel requested to focus only on an agreement for the first phase of the hostage exchange."
Hamas announced last Wednesday that it "will continue negotiations despite the setbacks faced in the discussions in Cairo." It stated in a release that it "will continue negotiating through mediators to reach a ceasefire agreement." The group mentioned that it "has shown the necessary flexibility to reach an agreement that entails a comprehensive halt to the aggression against our people, but the occupation continues to evade the obligations of this agreement, particularly those that would ensure a permanent ceasefire, the return of displaced persons, withdrawal from the Strip, and provision for our people's needs."
However, it emphasized that "discussions continue through mediators to achieve an agreement that meets the demands and interests of the people of Gaza." In recent days, negotiators from Hamas, Qatar, and Egypt met in Cairo in the absence of an Israeli delegation to try to reach an agreement on a 40-day truce before Ramadan, which begins next week.
Hamas demands a complete and permanent ceasefire, the return of displaced persons to northern Gaza, and an increase in the entry of aid, while Israel opposes this demand. It is noteworthy that the last prisoner exchange agreement between the two sides occurred in late November and led to the release of 105 Israeli prisoners held by Hamas since October 7, in exchange for the release of about 240 Palestinians from Israeli prisons. Currently, 130 Israeli prisoners remain in Gaza, of whom it is believed that 30 have died, according to Israeli estimates.
