Israel plans to send a delegation to Qatar for ceasefire talks regarding Gaza as it cuts electricity supply, creating tension with Hamas. Ongoing deadlocks and humanitarian issues persist despite international involvement aiming for a truce that includes hostages and withdrawal conditions.
Israel is scheduled to dispatch a delegation to Qatar on Monday for renewed discussions regarding the extension of a tenuous ceasefire in Gaza. This comes after Israel’s decision to cut off the electricity supply, aiming to exert pressure on Hamas following the expiration of the initial deal in early March, which ended without progress on subsequent terms necessary for a permanent resolution to the conflict arising from Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
The parties involved have differing approaches to the situation; Hamas seeks immediate negotiations for the next phase of the truce, whereas Israel favors the continuation of the first phase. Hamas has accused Israel of failing to adhere to the ceasefire agreement, claiming that Israel is avoiding a decision regarding the second phase, leading to accusations of stalling tactics.
Media reports indicate that a senior official from Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security agency, will lead the Israeli delegation to the talks. Amidst this impasse, Israel has stopped aid deliveries to Gaza and announced the suspension of electricity supply to the area. Energy Minister Eli Cohen stated, “We will use all the tools at our disposal to bring back the hostages and ensure that Hamas is no longer in Gaza the day after.” This action mirrored earlier announcements of a “complete siege” on Gaza, which saw the electricity supply halted previously.
Hamas spokesman Abdul Latif al-Qanoua emphasized that the power cut will adversely affect the hostages held by Hamas, describing Israel’s tactic as ineffective. He stated, “The decision to cut electricity is a failed option and poses a threat to its (Israeli) prisoners, who will only be freed through negotiations.”
Germany has voiced criticism over Israel’s latest actions, with Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Kathrin Deschauer describing Gaza as facing renewed food shortages and condemning the electricity cut as “unacceptable” and “not compatible with (Israel’s) obligations under international law.” Currently, Gazans depend primarily on solar power and generators for electricity due to reliance on a single power line from Israel, which supports their desalination plant.
As temperatures in Gaza have dipped significantly, many Palestinians are displaced, residing in tents under dire conditions. Senior Hamas official Izzat al-Rishq criticized Israel for its decision to cut off vital resources such as food and medicine, characterizing it as a desperate endeavor to pressurize the Palestinian people.
Hamas continues to assert that any future discussions regarding the truce, facilitated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, must encompass a comprehensive exchange of hostages, a full withdrawal of Israeli forces, an enduring ceasefire, and a resumption of border operations to eliminate the blockade. Spokesman Hazem Qassem emphasized the need for mediators to ensure that Israel adheres to this agreement.
Former U.S. President Joe Biden articulated a vision for the second truce phase that includes the release of hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli military presence from Gaza. U.S. envoy Adam Boehler indicated that a resolution could be finalized within weeks and suggested that a “long-term truce” was highly probable, although he later affirmed U.S. support for any of Israel’s decisions, even re-engagement in warfare.
In a context where hostages are central to negotiations, the toll from the ongoing conflict remains significant, with 251 hostages taken during the October 7 assault—of which 58 are still held in Gaza. Furthermore, ongoing hostilities have reportedly resulted in significant casualties on both sides, highlighting the urgency of achieving a lasting resolution.
In conclusion, Israel’s impending talks with a Qatar delegation signify an attempt to navigate the complex landscape of the ongoing Gaza conflict. The contrasting demands of Israel and Hamas regarding the ceasefire, coupled with international criticisms, underscore the intricacies of achieving a lasting peace. The humanitarian situation remains dire, necessitating urgent attention and collaborative efforts to secure a comprehensive and enduring truce.
Original Source: www.al-monitor.com
