Gaza crisis: Talks about ceasefire fail-protests in Tel Aviv!

Gaza crisis: Talks about ceasefire fail-protests in Tel Aviv!

Indirect conversations between Israel and Hamas about a 60-day ceasefire in the Gaza war have stalled. Both sides are responsible for the lack of progress. The goal of the talks in Doha not only includes a ceasefire, but also the release of ten living hostages and the handover of corpses. A central point of dispute is the extent of the Israeli troop deduction from Gaza during the fire break.

The Israeli delegation has presented "new maps", but they encounter resistance. Israel intends to leave the military in the southern Gaza Strip. This is seen by many critics as an internment camp, while the Israeli government describes this as a "voluntary departure". Hamas rejects a great whereabouts of Israeli troops, but shows flexibility in other points. On Sunday, Israel could go to the intermediaries in Doha with a modified map, which consist of diplomats made of Qatar, Egypt and the USA.

hostage and their influence on the negotiations

On Saturday, Hamas handed over four Israeli hostages to the International Red Cross. These hostages, which were captured during a major attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, are Daniella Gilboa, Karina Ariev, Liri Albag and Naama Levy. The handover took place in the city of Gaza, in front of a waiting crowd and under the supervision of numerous Hamas fighters who were dressed in combat uniforms.

This release is part of a ceasefire agreement that was concluded in January. In exchange for the four women, Israel plans to relieve 200 Palestinian prisoners. The first phase of this agreement provides for the release of a total of 33 Israeli hostages and around 1900 Palestinian prisoners. At the moment there are still 26 Israeli hostages in custody, while the number of missing persons in the Gaza Strip is estimated at around 91, whereby 34 is considered dead according to Israeli army.

military clashes and humanitarian situation

The ongoing military attacks of Israel on Hamas positions in the Gaza Strip continue. At least 129 Palestinians have been killed in these attacks since Saturday morning, while 33 people died when they tried to receive humanitarian aid. In view of these high number of victims, the pressure on the Israeli government is growing to end the conflict.

The situation is tense because Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu places an ultimatum for the release of hostages. Analysts fear that the delay in negotiations on the second phase of the ceasefire agreement is an attempt by Hamas to improve their negotiating position. The Israeli Prime Minister also sees the accusation of delaying the end of the war to ensure his political survival.

The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is becoming increasingly precarious because many civilians return to destroyed residential areas. The image is also shaped by foreign policy pressure, among other things by demands by US President Donald Trump after an accelerated hostage of hostages. Netanyahu could be forced to resume the war for domestic reasons, which could further reduce the prospect of peace.

The complex and violent situation in the Gaza Strip remains tense, while both Hamas and Israel are establishing strict conditions for future negotiations, and the civilian population continues to suffer.

For further information about the developments in Gaza, see vienna.at , Rundschau-Online and Tagesschau .