The silhouettes of a military vehicle and a soldier are seen near the Gaza border, amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, in Israel, December 16, 2024. REUTERS/Amir Cohen/File Photo
Ceasefire Negotiations Stalled Amid Blame-Trading Between Hamas and Israel
Hamas and Israel exchanged accusations on Wednesday over delays in finalizing a ceasefire agreement, despite earlier indications of progress in talks mediated by Qatar and Egypt.
Disagreements Over Conditions
Hamas accused Israel of introducing new conditions that have hampered the talks. “The occupation has set new conditions related to withdrawal, ceasefire, prisoners, and the return of the displaced,” Hamas stated, emphasizing that it had shown flexibility in the negotiations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu countered, accusing Hamas of reneging on previously reached agreements. “The Hamas terrorist organization continues to lie, is reneging on understandings… and is continuing to create difficulties in the negotiations,” Netanyahu said. He reiterated Israel’s commitment to securing the return of hostages taken by Hamas.
Israeli negotiators returned from Qatar on Tuesday for consultations, signaling a critical juncture in the negotiations.
Key Challenges in Negotiations
One of the central sticking points is the question of Israeli troop deployments and security control in Gaza. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel intends to maintain security control over the enclave, including through buffer zones and checkpoints.
Hamas, for its part, is demanding an immediate end to the war, while Israel has insisted on dismantling Hamas’ rule in Gaza to prevent future threats.
Military Pressure Intensifies
Amid stalled talks, Israeli forces continued their military campaign in the northern Gaza Strip, targeting areas around Beit Lahiya, Beit Hanoun, and Jabalia. Palestinians accused Israel of attempting to depopulate northern Gaza to establish a buffer zone, a claim Israel denies.
Health officials in Gaza reported at least 24 fatalities on Wednesday, including casualties from an airstrike on a former school sheltering displaced families in Sheikh Radwan. Strikes were also reported in the Al-Mawasi area, designated as a humanitarian zone.
Humanitarian Toll
The war, triggered by Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, has caused immense devastation. Israeli strikes have killed over 45,300 Palestinians and displaced the majority of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, according to health officials in the Hamas-run enclave.
Outlook
As international mediators continue efforts to broker a phased ceasefire, key differences over troop presence, security arrangements, and the scope of the agreement remain unresolved, prolonging the conflict and its humanitarian toll.
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