Hamas has emphasized the need for a comprehensive ceasefire and the complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, while Israeli families express frustration over delays in the talks.
The Palestinian Resistance movement Hamas has set its priorities as negotiations continue in Doha, mediated by Qatari and Egyptian officials, and with the participation of US President Donald Trump’s envoy.
The movement’s spokesperson, Abdul Latif Al-Qanou, said in a statement that the talks are aimed at ending the ongoing genocidal war, ensuring an Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and initiating the reconstruction process.
He confirmed that Hamas has committed to the first phase of the ceasefire agreement and is now focused on providing relief to Gaza’s residents, along with securing a permanent ceasefire.
Al-Qanou expressed concerns over Israeli actions to tighten the siege on Gaza by closing crossings and preventing aid, which he views as an attempt to ethnically cleanse Gaza.
However, he dismissed these efforts as “a pipe dream,” noting that Israel’s threats to resume fighting and cut off Gaza’s electricity have failed previously and will not lead to the release of prisoners. The movement’s spokesperson stressed that Hamas will only engage in prisoner exchanges through negotiations.
US-Hamas Talks
US President’s special envoy, Adam Boehler, confirmed on Sunday the importance of the meetings with Hamas, which have reportedly focused on all prisoners in Gaza, not just American nationals.
‘We’re Not Agent of Israel’ – Envoy Describes US-Hamas Talks as ‘Very Helpful’
In an interview with the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation (KAN), Boehler praised Hamas’ proposal for a prisoner exchange and a ceasefire lasting between five to 10 years, stating that the prospect of a long-term truce in Gaza was feasible.
“They suggested exchanging all prisoners…and a five-year to 10-year truce where Hamas would lay down all weapons,” he said, calling it “not a bad first offer.” However, according to the Anadolu news agency, Hamas has yet to commit to such terms formally.
No Delays
Meanwhile, the families of Israeli captives held in Gaza have called for the Israeli delegation in Doha to be fully authorized to negotiate the return of all prisoners in one batch.
They have warned that delays in negotiations could cost lives, citing the previous batch of captives returned, which included deceased prisoners who could have been saved had the negotiations progressed more swiftly.
Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, are increasingly frustrated with the progress of the negotiations, particularly with the involvement of the US.
According to Israeli media, senior Israeli officials have expressed anger over Washington’s conduct, accusing the US of negotiating over their heads. They are also concerned that Netanyahu’s government may be forced into an agreement that favors Hamas, given the US’s strong influence in the talks.
Adding to the pressure, protests erupted in Israel with families of prisoners staging a sit-in outside the Ministry of Defense, demanding a resolution to the prisoner issue. They accuse the Israeli government of stalling negotiations for political reasons and called for urgent action to secure the release of the detainees.
At the beginning of March, the first phase of the ceasefire agreement, which lasted 42 days, officially ended without Israel agreeing to enter the second phase or fully implement the military and humanitarian conditions of the ceasefire.
While Netanyahu wants to extend the first phase to secure the release of more Israeli prisoners, Hamas insists that Israel must comply with all aspects of the original agreement before any further negotiations can take place.
Between October 7, 2023, and January 19, 2025, Israel committed a genocidal campaign in Gaza, resulting in over 160,000 Palestinian casualties, the majority being women and children.
(PC, AJA)
