Response: Hamas official acknowledges significant gaps in truce talks with Israel

Significant disagreements continue to hamper the peace talks between Hamas and Israel regarding a truce in Gaza, according to a Hamas official familiar with the ongoing negotiations. The discussions, which resumed in Doha this week and involve Israel’s intelligence chief along with mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S., are struggling due to fundamental disparities in the stances of both parties.

The Hamas representative pointed out that Israel’s misinterpretation of Hamas’s willingness to negotiate as a sign of weakness has led to a deadlock. Israel, according to the official, is seeking a temporary halt in hostilities that could allow for renewed aggression against Palestinians later on. The Israeli side is reportedly unwilling to commit to a full ceasefire or withdraw its military presence from Gaza entirely.

Furthermore, Israel desires to maintain control over relief efforts and has expressed a preference for preventing the United Nations from resuming its activities in Gaza, particularly in the northern region. This stance comes amid deteriorating relations between Israel and the United Nations, exacerbated by global criticism over the humanitarian impact of the conflict in Gaza.

A critical aspect of the negotiations includes the fate of hostages taken during Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel. Although around 250 Israeli and foreign hostages were initially seized, some were released during a brief ceasefire in November. It’s estimated that approximately 130 hostages remain in Gaza, with 33 believed to be deceased, including both soldiers and civilians.