Negotiations for Gaza Truce Expected to Resume Amidst Accusations and Demands
Negotiations to strike a Gaza truce are set to resume on Sunday after Hamas rejected any deal that did not include an end to the war in the Palestinian territory. Accusing Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu of hindering an agreement, talks have been ongoing to propose a 40-day pause in the fighting and an exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
Qatari, Egyptian, and US mediators met with a Hamas delegation in Cairo on Saturday, with a senior Hamas source indicating that there would be a new round of talks on Sunday. However, both sides have blamed each other for stalled negotiations, with Hamas insisting on a complete end to the war, including Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza.
Despite months of shuttle diplomacy, previous negotiations have failed to broker a lasting truce. The war broke out following Hamas’s attack on Israel in October, resulting in significant casualties on both sides. The United Nations has warned of a “full-blown famine” in northern Gaza, with the World Health Organization reporting improvements in food availability but ongoing challenges in the besieged territory.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has urged Hamas to accept a truce deal with Israel, emphasizing the need for peace in the region. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden faces pressure to address Israel’s conduct in the war, with calls from Congress to consider halting arms sales unless changes are made.
The prospect of an assault on Rafah has raised international concern, with the WHO warning of a potential “bloodbath” if a full-scale military operation occurs. The war in Gaza has also led to increased violence in the occupied West Bank, with clashes between Israeli troops and Palestinian fighters.
Student protests against the war have erupted in Europe and North America, with demonstrations at numerous university campuses. Police have intervened to dismantle sit-ins, including at New York University and the University of California, Los Angeles, where hundreds of protesters were detained.
As negotiations continue, the world watches closely for any progress towards a lasting truce in Gaza.
