A senior Qatari official has called for Israel and Hamas to show more commitment in cease-fire negotiations, as pressure mounts to end the nearly seven-month-long war in Gaza. Qatar, which hosts Hamas headquarters, has been a key intermediary, but recently said it was reassessing its mediator role. An Israeli delegation is expected in Egypt to discuss proposals, and a Hamas delegation is also set to travel to Cairo for talks. Talks between the two sides have effectively come to a halt, with both sides entrenched in their positions.
Qatar’s relations with Israel have been strained throughout the war, with politicians in Israel criticizing Qatar for not pressuring Hamas enough. An Egyptian delegation has discussed with Israeli officials a new vision for a prolonged cease-fire in Gaza, with Israel expressing willingness but not commitment to a permanent cease-fire. The second phase of the deal would start after the release of civilian hostages, and would include releasing soldiers, launching a reconstruction process, and releasing senior Palestinian prisoners. Negotiations have previously centered on a six-week cease-fire proposal and the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Recent videos released by Hamas of three hostages have added pressure on Israel to make concessions. International pressure is growing for Hamas and Israel to reach a cease-fire deal to avoid an Israeli attack on Gaza’s Rafah. Israel has massed tanks and armored vehicles near Rafah, raising global alarm. Aid groups warn that an invasion of Rafah would worsen the already desperate humanitarian situation in Gaza. The war was sparked by Hamas’ attack into southern Israel, which led to Israeli retaliation that resulted in thousands of casualties.
The Israeli military blames Hamas for civilian casualties, accusing the group of embedding in residential and public areas. It claims to have killed thousands of militants, although evidence has not been provided. Israeli authorities say that Hamas and other groups are holding hostages, including the remains of Israelis. The international community, including U.S. President Joe Biden and other world leaders, have urged Hamas to release the hostages immediately. The pressure for a cease-fire deal is also an attempt to avoid further violence and destruction in Gaza. Israel sees Rafah as Hamas’ last major stronghold and is determined to destroy the group’s military and governing capabilities.
