Negotiations to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and facilitate a prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas resumed in Qatar on Thursday, but face significant challenges due to four key conditions set by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. These conditions, considered essential by Israel, are contentious and could derail the talks, which are being mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the US.
The discussions involve high-level representatives, including US and Egyptian intelligence heads, and Israel’s delegation led by Mossad Chief David Barnea. Hamas has indicated it will join the talks if Israel commits to a proposal backed by US President Joe Biden, which includes a ceasefire, a hostage-prisoner exchange, and the reconstruction of Gaza.
Netanyahu’s four conditions include: preventing armed Palestinians from crossing a key border point, maintaining Israeli control over a strategic corridor and border crossing, confirming the status of Israeli prisoners held in Gaza, and retaining the right to veto the release of certain Palestinian prisoners.
The talks are ongoing, with no set deadline, and the mediators are working to close the gaps between the parties to prevent a full-scale war. However, Hamas has expressed reluctance to engage in new negotiations without a clear commitment from Israel.
