Talks under pressure: The Doha negotiations persist despite Hamas stalling on matters debated for almost two weeks. Israeli figures disclosed over the weekend that Hamas is undermining the discussions, as the terror group has refused for days to address the ratios for freeing prisoners in exchange for hostages. Another point of contention where Hamas refuses to move forward is the maps presented by Israel, even after notable concessions. On Thursday at two in the morning, a revised mediators' proposal was submitted to Israel and Hamas, and both are evaluating it to try to spur Hamas and progress the talks. As of now, neither party has stated its position on the proposal.
Saturday marks the 14th day of the Israeli delegation's talks in Doha, but despite Israel agreeing to concessions, it seems Hamas has no interest in finalizing an agreement. Israeli figures also noted that, despite the negotiating team's concessions on the extent of withdrawal, Israel did not consent to pulling back to the March 2, lines. Nonetheless, officials did not dispute agreements on withdrawing from the Morag Axis into the territory the IDF secured in recent weeks. Despite Israel's readiness, the talks face ongoing challenges due to Hamas' refusal and delays, possibly indicating the terror group is prolonging the process. Israel now warns: Time will not play to its advantage.
The primary obstacle Hamas poses to the negotiations is the issue of prisoner release ratios, which is hindering a ceasefire. The group persists in avoiding discussions on this matter despite the mediators' dedication to moving the talks forward over the past two weeks and the US backing Israel. In the last week, another Israeli negotiation channel opened in Cairo on humanitarian matters, achieving progress on some issues.
Currently, the Israeli delegation remains in Doha, striving to fully explore the negotiations while maintaining direct, ongoing, and daily communication with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister Ron Dermer. Yet, the results remain uncertain. Israel states that negotiations will proceed only alongside continued fighting in Gaza, which will impose costs on Hamas.
Despite the obstacles, Israel keeps the door open to negotiations and continues making concessions on various matters at the table. Security officials caution that resuming war, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged, after setting up the humanitarian city in 60 days, will claim soldiers' lives in areas reinfiltrated by Hamas.
Details of the known agreement
The known details of the agreement so far: Over 60 days, 10 live hostages will be returned, eight on day one and two on day 50, with Israel releasing life-sentence prisoners in return. Talks to end the war will also start during the ceasefire, with expected pressure from mediators, led by the US, to conclude the war.
