DOHA: Israel and Palestinian resistance group Hamas are not close to a deal to halt the fighting in the besieged Gaza Strip and free hostages, mediator Qatar said on Tuesday, warning that the situation remained “very complicated”.
Qatar, making efforts as a mediator between Israel and Hamas, said that the ongoing negotiations aimed at halting the violence in Gaza and securing the release of hostages have not yielded significant progress. Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari described the situation as “very complicated,” indicating a lack of consensus between the two parties.
Despite weeks of diplomatic efforts involving mediators from the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, the anticipated truce and hostage exchange failed to materialize as the holy month of Ramadan started on Monday. Ansari emphasized that both sides are yet to converge on mutually agreeable terms, preventing the resolution of existing disagreements regarding the implementation of a deal.
“We are not near a deal,” Ansari stated during a press conference, underscoring the complexity of the conflict’s dynamics on the ground. He refrained from providing a specific timeline for reaching an agreement but expressed hope for progress within the framework of Ramadan.
Israel’s Ongoing Violence in Gaza
The ongoing violence in Gaza, characterized by Israel’s bombardment and ground offensive, has led to a significant loss of life. Gaza’s health ministry reported that at least 31,112 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed in ongoing Israeli bombardment since October 7.
Qatar, which facilitated a temporary ceasefire in late November resulting in the release of numerous Israeli and foreign hostages, continues to play a pivotal role in mediation efforts. Ansari dismissed suggestions of applying pressure on Hamas, maintaining that Qatar is focused on leveraging its capabilities to encourage both sides towards a resolution.
The Gulf state also hosts the political office of Hamas’s leader, Ismail Haniyeh. Despite recent statements indicating openness to dialogue with Israel, Haniyeh reiterated the group’s demands for a sustainable ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the repatriation of displaced Gazans, and increased humanitarian access.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a complete troop withdrawal, vowing to persist in efforts to dismantle the Palestinian resistance even following a potential truce agreement.
Dr. @majedalansari Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during the weekly media briefing:
Regarding the talk about pressure on Hamas, as a mediator Qatar has been exchanging views between both sides. We are certainly using everything in our capabilities to push both… pic.twitter.com/y9yb8mX84y— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) March 12, 2024
