Doha: Israel has dispatched a delegation to Qatar for indirect talks aimed at securing a Gaza truce and a hostage release deal, despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labeling recent demands from Hamas as "unacceptable." Hospital officials in Gaza reported that Israeli strikes resulted in the deaths of at least 38 Palestinians on Sunday. These negotiations are set to resume in Doha, coinciding with an anticipated visit by Netanyahu to the White House.
According to France24.com, Israeli negotiators traveled to Qatar on Sunday, seeking to address the remaining points of contention with Hamas through proximity talks. The discussions are focused on achieving a ceasefire and securing the release of hostages. Prior to his departure to the United States, Netanyahu engaged in discussions with Israeli President Isaac Herzog concerning Gaza and efforts to strengthen relations with Arab states.
Protests took place in Tel Aviv on Saturday, with demonstrators calling for the return of hostages held in Gaza since the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, which instigated the ongoing conflict. Macabit Mayer, a relative of captives, urged for a resolution that prioritizes saving lives.
Two Palestinian sources familiar with the discussions revealed that the proposal under consideration includes a 60-day truce. During this period, Hamas would release 10 live hostages and several bodies in exchange for Palestinians detained by Israel. However, Hamas has set conditions that include guarantees against a resumption of fighting and the reinstatement of the UN-led aid distribution system.
On the ground in Gaza, the civil defense agency reported that 14 people were killed on Sunday due to Israeli forces' actions. The agency noted a specific pre-dawn strike in Gaza City's Sheikh Radawn neighborhood, where rescuers searched for survivors amidst the rubble. Due to media restrictions and limited access, AFP could not independently verify the reported tolls and details.
The conflict, which began following the October attack, has seen mediators facilitating temporary halts in fighting, during which hostages have been exchanged for Palestinian prisoners. Despite these efforts, the primary obstacle remains Israel's refusal to agree to Hamas's demand for a lasting ceasefire.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated, with over two million residents facing severe conditions. Karima al-Ras from Khan Yunis expressed hope for a truce to allow additional aid into the region, highlighting the dire need for basic supplies such as flour.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, supported by the US and Israel, has been leading food distribution efforts since May, following the partial lifting of a blockade by Israel. However, major aid groups and UN agencies have distanced themselves from the GHF due to concerns about its alignment with Israeli military objectives. The UN human rights office reported that more than 500 people have died while waiting for food from GHF distribution points.
The conflict, initiated by the October 2023 Hamas attack, has resulted in substantial casualties. According to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures, the attack claimed 1,219 lives, predominantly civilians. Israel's subsequent offensive has led to the deaths of at least 57,418 individuals in Gaza, as reported by the territory's health ministry, with the United Nations considering these figures to be reliable.