Israel-Hamas Talks Hit Wall in Qatar Over “Unacceptable” Ceasefire Amendments
Israel and Hamas face stalled ceasefire talks in Qatar, with Israel rejecting Hamas’s proposed amendments and awaiting outcomes from a Netanyahu-Trump meeting, while maintaining firm demands for Hamas’s disarmament. The negotiations, involving troop withdrawals and aid distribution, hinge on U.S. involvement and minor concessions, amid ongoing tensions and public pressure.
Indirect ceasefire and hostage release negotiations between Israel and Hamas today in Doha, Qatar, ended without a breakthrough, with Palestinian sources claiming Israel’s delegation lacked sufficient authority to finalize a deal. The talks, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, followed Hamas’s “positive” response on July 4 to a U.S.-backed 60-day ceasefire proposal, which included minor amendments. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office rejected these changes, stating, “The changes that Hamas is seeking to make in the Qatari proposal were conveyed to us last night and are unacceptable to Israel.” Despite this, Israel sent a working-level delegation to Doha, notably without senior security officials like Mossad chief David Barnea or Maj. Gen. (res.) Nitzan Alon, signaling caution pending Netanyahu’s meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on July 7 in Washington.
Israeli sources familiar with the negotiations described the talks as “constructive” but noted, “The discussions are positive, but progress could be limited as we await clarity on the boundaries.” Israel provided maps outlining possible troop redeployment lines in Gaza but remains firm against returning to pre-March 2024 ceasefire positions, offering only “minor flexibilities” on partial withdrawals. On aid distribution, Israel proposed a hybrid model, maintaining southern Gaza aid centers while allowing most aid to flow through UN-managed trucks, potentially under Hamas control. A Palestinian source involved in the talks expressed optimism, stating, “This time it’s different, Trump is much more involved. Both sides will need to reach a solution, even if it’s not to their liking.” The source claimed U.S. assurances ensure aid flow won’t hinder the deal and that Hamas’s amendments are minor.
Israel’s non-negotiable stance, as Netanyahu will emphasize to Trump, is Hamas’s complete disarmament, exile of its leaders, and surrender, a condition Hamas rejects. With 50 hostages still in Gaza, 20 believed alive, public pressure in Israel mounts, with ongoing Tel Aviv protests demanding a deal. The war, sparked by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack killing 1,200 and abducting 251, has left Hamas fighting for control over the strip following IDF bombardments.