In the latest chapter of the prolonged Gaza conflict, Hamas and Israel exchanged sharp accusations on Wednesday, each blaming the other for holding up a long-awaited ceasefire and hostage release deal. Indirect negotiations, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States in Doha, had raised hopes of progress, but both sides claim fresh obstacles are derailing the process.
Hamas accused Israel of introducing new conditions related to troop withdrawals, ceasefire terms, prisoner exchanges, and the return of displaced Gazans to their homes. In a statement, the Palestinian militant group described the negotiations as “serious” but pointed fingers at Israel for the delays.
Israel hit back swiftly, accusing Hamas of backtracking on prior agreements and creating “new obstacles” in the talks. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office labeled Hamas’ statements as deceitful and counterproductive.
Earlier in the week, both parties had signaled progress. Netanyahu had spoken of “some progress” in parliament, while Hamas and allied groups claimed a ceasefire deal was closer than ever, contingent on Israel refraining from imposing additional demands.
Domestically, Netanyahu faces mounting pressure from critics and families of hostages still held in Gaza. Relatives of captives staged a plea in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, urging the Prime Minister to act decisively.
The conflict has seen limited breakthroughs. A temporary truce in late 2023 led to the exchange of 80 Israeli hostages for 240 Palestinian detainees and the release of 25 other captives, mostly Thai workers. However, establishing a lasting ceasefire and addressing Gaza’s post-war governance remain deeply divisive.
Meanwhile, the toll of the war continues to climb. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reported 23 fatalities in the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to over 45,000, with more than 107,000 wounded in the conflict that has persisted since October 2023.
Despite numerous rounds of indirect talks, a durable resolution remains elusive, leaving a bitter impasse and an urgent call for peace.
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