Indirect Talks Between Israel and Hamas Start in Qatar
Indirect negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas for a ceasefire agreement and hostage release began in Doha on Sunday, just before the meeting between Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump in Washington.
A Palestinian source close to the process told AFP that the talks started in Qatar’s capital at 18:30 GMT via mediators.
Key Points of Discussion
- Implementation mechanisms of a potential agreement and the hostage exchange in Gaza for Palestinian detainees in Israel are being addressed.
Netanyahu’s Expectations
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated on Sunday that his meeting with US President Trump in Washington on Monday could lead to a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip and the release of remaining hostages.
“This could help advance the outcome we all hope for,” Netanyahu said at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv before flying to Washington.
Israeli negotiators in Qatar are tasked with “continuing efforts to recover our hostages based on the Qatari proposal that Israel accepted,” according to Netanyahu’s office before the talks commenced.
However, they also deemed “unacceptable” any “changes Hamas wants to make to the ceasefire proposal.”
Gaza’s Devastation and Ongoing Conflict
In Gaza, ravaged by nearly 21 months of war, Palestinian civil defense reported 26 deaths from Israeli bombardments.
The conflict began with Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack in southern Israel, triggering an Israeli offensive in Gaza that has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and a severe humanitarian crisis.
Proposed Ceasefire Terms
According to Palestinian sources, the proposal presented to Hamas includes a 60-day ceasefire, during which the group would release 10 living Israeli hostages and several bodies in exchange for the freedom of Palestinian prisoners in Israel.
Out of the 251 people abducted on October 7, 2023, during Hamas’s attack in Israel, 49 remain captive in Gaza, with 27 declared dead by the Israeli military.
- Hamas demands improvements to the mechanism for Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza, guarantees that fighting won’t resume during negotiations, and the resumption of humanitarian aid distribution by the UN and international organizations.
- Hamas also requests the reopening of the Rafah crossing point with Egypt, controlled by Israel since May 2024, to facilitate the evacuation of injured.
“Descuartizados”
In Gaza, home to approximately 2 million people living in dire conditions according to the UN and humanitarian organizations, 26 Palestinians died in Israeli bombardments on Sunday, reported Mahmud Basal, spokesperson for Gaza’s civil defense.
One of these attacks struck a residence in Sheikh Radwan, a northern Gaza City neighborhood. Neighbors had to retrieve the bodies of victims from the rubble, as per AFP images.
At least 10 bodies arrived at Al Shifa Hospital, lying on the floor wrapped in plastic sheets. Nearby, relatives recited funeral prayers amidst sobs.
“I learned that my brother’s house was hit,” Yahya Abu Sufian told AFP. “I came here and found dead bodies and children mutilated,” he added.
When contacted by AFP, the Israeli military stated they couldn’t comment on specific attacks without precise geographical coordinates.
Media restrictions in Gaza and difficulties accessing numerous locations prevent AFP from independently verifying claims made by different parties.
Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack killed 1,219 people in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli data.
At least 57,418 Palestinians have died in the Israeli offensive in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the territory’s Health Ministry under Hamas control, statistics the UN deems reliable.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are the negotiations about? The indirect talks between Israel and Hamas focus on establishing a ceasefire mechanism and exchanging hostages.
- What are the proposed ceasefire terms? A 60-day truce is suggested, with Hamas releasing living Israeli hostages and bodies in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israel.
- What do Hamas demand? Hamas seeks improvements in Israeli troop withdrawal mechanisms, guarantees against resuming hostilities during negotiations, and the reopening of the Rafah crossing point with Egypt.
- How many people have died in the conflict? Over 1,200 people, mostly civilians, have died in Israel; at least 57,418 Palestinians have died in Gaza, mostly civilians.
