A high-stakes meeting is set to take place on Thursday involving Qatar, Egypt, and the United States to discuss implementing a ceasefire-hostage deal proposed by US President Joe Biden in May. Despite initial interest from Israel and Hamas, unresolved differences and last-minute demands have created obstacles to the peace process.
While Israel is sending a delegation to the talks, Hamas has expressed reluctance to engage in further negotiations beyond implementing agreed-upon terms. The latest proposals, including phasing releases and achieving a permanent ceasefire, are currently under negotiation.
The talks face challenges in aligning on issues like the exchange sequence, prisoner releases, and Israeli troop withdrawal, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s demands causing deadlock.
Key Sticking Points
Challenges remain in finalizing finer details of the proposal, with concerns over Netanyahu’s role in potentially undermining the deal and Hamas’ insistence on certain conditions like prisoner releases.
The urgency of the talks is emphasized by the mediators’ efforts to prevent further conflict amid escalating tensions, underscoring the need for a swift resolution.