The fragile negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Doha over a potential Gaza ceasefire and hostage release are teetering on collapse, Palestinian officials warn. 

The talks, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, have been marred by deep divides and mounting mistrust between the parties.

Sources close to the process allege that Israel used Prime Minister Netanyahu’s recent Washington visit to stall the talks, sending a delegation lacking decision-making power. 

Key points of contention include Israeli troop withdrawal and humanitarian aid logistics.

Hamas demands aid be delivered via neutral international bodies like the United Nations, while Israel backs the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. 

Despite minor progress on this front, no consensus has emerged.

The proposed Israeli military withdrawal is another flashpoint. While early messages mentioned a limited buffer zone, a follow-up map revealed deeper Israeli military presence—extending up to 3km and encompassing large swaths of Gaza, including Rafah and northern towns. 

Hamas interprets this shift as deceptive and fears it signals plans for long-term occupation.

Further fuelling tensions, Israeli Defense Minister Katz has outlined plans to relocate Palestinians to a massive "humanitarian city" near the Egyptian border, initially housing 600,000 and eventually 2.1 million people. 

Critics warn it amounts to forcible displacement masked as humanitarian aid, likening it to a modern-day concentration camp.

With trust evaporating, regional diplomats caution that without strong U.S. intervention, the talks may fully collapse—undermining efforts for a lasting truce and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

“This process is hanging by a thread,” said one official. “Time is running out to change course.” Since the war erupted on October 7, over 57,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to local health authorities.

Source: BBC

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