New ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas have begun in Doha, Qatar, as the death toll in Gaza surpasses 40,000 after 10 months of conflict. The negotiations, mediated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, aim to end the hostilities, secure the release of hostages, and prevent a wider regional war.According to the Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza, at least 40,005 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began on October 7, 2023, with 92,401 injured. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with widespread destruction of homes, hospitals, and infrastructure.The talks are based on a plan proposed by US President Joe Biden on May 31, which includes a six-week ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal from densely populated areas of Gaza, and the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. However, Hamas is not directly participating in the negotiations, citing Israel’s lack of commitment to previous proposals.”The start of new negotiations allows the occupation to impose new conditions and use the labyrinth of negotiations to conduct other massacres,” said Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri. Despite Hamas’s absence, mediators plan to consult with the group’s negotiating team after the talks.The Israeli delegation, led by Mossad director David Barnea, has reportedly been given expanded mandate for negotiations. However, significant obstacles remain, including the presence of Israeli troops in Gaza and the sequencing of hostage releases.The international community, including UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, has expressed grave concern over the mounting civilian casualties. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has announced his intention to visit Gaza, stating, “I will go, even if it costs me my life. Our life is not worth more than that of a child”.As the talks continue, the situation on the ground remains tense, with ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza and the looming threat of wider regional conflict. The outcome of these negotiations could have far-reaching implications for the future of Gaza and the broader Middle East.
Key points
- New ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas have begun in Doha, Qatar, mediated by the US, Qatar, and Egypt.
- The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 40,000, with 92,401 injured, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry.
- Hamas is not directly participating in the talks, citing Israel’s lack of commitment to previous proposals.
- The negotiations are based on a plan proposed by US President Joe Biden, including a six-week ceasefire and hostage exchanges.
Contradictions👾There are conflicting reports on the exact number of hostages held by Hamas, with some sources citing 115 and others mentioning 110.
👾While some reports indicate that the talks will last one day, others suggest they may continue for multiple days.
