Background on Key Figures and Context
Donald Trump, the President of the United States, met with Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, for a second time in 24 hours at the White House. The purpose of these closed-door meetings is to address and attempt to end the “tragedy” of the ongoing war in Gaza, which has reached a critical humanitarian crisis after 21 months of conflict sparked by Hamas’s attack on Israel in October 2023.
Netanyahu dined with Trump on Monday and returned to the White House on Tuesday for another private meeting. Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy for the Middle East, remains hopeful about reaching a ceasefire agreement by the end of the week. He stated, “We hope to have an agreement that allows for a 60-day ceasefire by the end of this week. Ten live hostages will be released, and the remains of nine deceased individuals will be recovered.”
Trump has strongly supported Netanyahu, especially during the recent conflict between Iran and Israel. However, he has also increased pressure to end what he calls the “hell” in Gaza.
Qatar’s Role and Timeframe
Qatar, which hosts indirect negotiations between both parties, declared on Tuesday that more time is needed for these dialogues to yield progress. The Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Majed Al Ansari, stated that while he cannot set a deadline at the moment, more time is required for these negotiations. Qatar, along with the United States and Egypt, is mediating these talks focused on establishing a framework for conversations.
A Palestinian official close to the negotiations denied any progress. On the ground, five Israeli soldiers died in combat in northern Gaza, marking one of the deadliest days for Israeli forces in the Palestinian territory this year.
According to an AFP count, at least 445 Israeli soldiers have died since the war began. The Gaza Civil Defense reported 29 fatalities from Israeli attacks on Tuesday, including three children.
“Explosion” During Breakfast
Shaima al Shaer, a resident of the Sanabel refugee camp, recounted her experience to AFP: “I was in front of my tent preparing breakfast for my four children, a can of fava beans and some hard bread. Suddenly, an explosion occurred, followed by another one a minute later.”
Media restrictions in Gaza and difficulties accessing many areas hinder independent verification of the figures and data provided by the Gaza Civil Defense. Lebanon reported three deaths on Tuesday in an attack near Tripoli, which the Israeli army claimed targeted a Hamas militant—the first such attack in the area since an October 2023 ceasefire with Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah.
Israel and Hamas initiated the latest round of negotiations on Sunday, with representatives seated in separate rooms within the same building. An Israeli official accompanying Netanyahu to Washington stated that the proposal under discussion includes “between 80% and 90% of what Israel wants.” However, Itamar Ben Gvir, Israel’s Minister of National Security, opposes negotiations with Hamas. “There is no need to negotiate with those who kill our fighters; they should be crushed,” he declared.
Out of the 251 people kidnapped during Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel, 49 remain captive in Gaza, with the Israeli army believing that 27 of them are dead. Palestinian sources claim Hamas demands Israel’s withdrawal from the territory, assurances that the ceasefire will last, and international recognition for humanitarian aid management in Gaza by the UN and other organizations.
Casualties and Impact of Hamas’s October 2023 Attack
The October 2023 Hamas attack resulted in 1,219 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an official Israeli count. At least 57,575 Palestinians have died in Israel’s subsequent offensive in Gaza, primarily civilians, as per the Gaza Health Ministry. The UN considers this statistic reliable.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the key figures involved in these negotiations? The key figures are Donald Trump, the President of the United States, and Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel.
- What is the main objective of these meetings? The primary goal is to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza and establish a ceasefire.
- What role is Qatar playing in these negotiations? Qatar is hosting indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas and acting as a mediator alongside the United States and Egypt, focusing on establishing a framework for conversations.
- What are Hamas’s demands in these negotiations? Hamas is seeking Israel’s withdrawal from the territory, assurances of a lasting ceasefire, and international recognition for humanitarian aid management in Gaza.
- What has been the impact of Hamas’s October 2023 attack on both sides? The attack resulted in 1,219 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians, and at least 57,575 Palestinian deaths in Gaza, primarily civilians.
