Gaza ceasefire talks stall as Hamas slams Israel's pullout plan
Photo: Talks to continue despite obstacles (Getty Images)
Negotiations on a ceasefire in Gaza have hit a deadlock due to the scale of Israeli troop withdrawals from the Palestinian enclave, Reuters informs.
According to a Palestinian source, Hamas rejected the troop maps proposed by Israel. The reason is that under those plans, Israel would retain control over about 40% of the enclave's territory. This includes the entire southern part of Rafah and additional areas in northern and eastern Gaza.
Israeli sources say Hamas wants Israel to retreat to the lines held under the previous ceasefire agreement.
That agreement was reached before the inauguration of US President Donald Trump. It ceased to be effective in March after fighting resumed in Gaza.
Despite recent obstacles to reaching a deal, indirect talks on the US proposal for a 60-day ceasefire are expected to continue.
The Palestinian source said issues related to aid and guarantees for the ceasefire also remain problematic. They added that the crisis could be resolved with more active US involvement.
Earlier on Monday, the White House said Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who played a key role in developing the latest ceasefire proposal, will travel to Doha this week to join the discussions.
Meanwhile, delegations from Israel and Hamas have been in Qatar since Sunday. They resumed efforts to reach an agreement involving the phased release of hostages, the withdrawal of Israeli troops, and negotiations on a full war cessation.
Reuters also notes that Hamas has long demanded a ceasefire before releasing remaining hostages. Israel insists it will only halt hostilities after all hostages are freed and Hamas is disbanded.
Netanyahu's statements
A week ago, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country has a chance to expand the peace agreement. At the same time, he rejected any deal under which Hamas remains in Gaza.
Yesterday, he warned Hamas that Israel has reached an agreement with the US on Gaza-related issues. Specifically, the countries are working to secure the return of hostages in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire.
"At the beginning of this truce, the negotiation process for a permanent end to the war will begin. To achieve this, our minimum conditions must be met: Hamas must be left with no military or governing capabilities. These are our basic conditions," he added.
Netanyahu also said that if these conditions are not met, the Israel Defense Forces will use force.
