By V.E.K.Madhushani, Jadetimes News
Diplomatic Efforts Intensify Amid Ongoing Conflict
The United States has reported a "promising start" to the renewed ceasefire and hostage negotiation talks in Doha regarding the Gaza Strip. This development comes as the conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in over 40,000 reported Palestinian casualties.
A ceasefire agreement is seen as crucial to preventing the 10 month long conflict from escalating into a full scale regional war involving Iran. However, expectations for a breakthrough remain cautious. White House spokesperson John Kirby emphasized that while progress has been made, significant work remains to resolve differences in implementing the framework agreement.
Hamas, for its part, has announced that it will not participate in the indirect negotiations in Doha for the time being. Nonetheless, mediators are reportedly conveying messages to Hamas officials based in Doha. The group has called for a roadmap based on a proposal outlined by U.S. President Joe Biden, accusing Israel's Prime Minister of adding new conditions a claim that has been denied.
Israeli media reports indicate that the country's negotiating team has been granted a slightly expanded mandate. Meanwhile, the families of hostages still held in Gaza are describing this as the "last chance" to secure their release.
The mediators are facing several challenges, including control of the land along Gaza's border with Egypt and the return of displaced Palestinian civilians to northern Gaza. Talks were previously suspended after the assassination of Hamas political leader and chief negotiator Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran at the end of July, which Iran has vowed to avenge. Israel has not confirmed or denied involvement in the assassination, but the incident has heightened fears of broader escalation.
The Israeli military launched its current campaign in Gaza in response to an unprecedented attack on southern Israel by Hamas on October 7, during which approximately 1,200 people were killed, and 251 others were taken hostage. Gaza’s health ministry, run by Hamas, reported on Thursday that at least 40,005 people have been killed in the territory since the conflict began a figure the United Nations human rights chief has described as a “grim milestone for the world.” The death toll, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians, is often disputed by the Israeli government but is broadly accepted by UN agencies. The Israeli military has reported eliminating over 17,000 terrorists, while also noting the deaths of 330 of its troops since the ground invasion began.
Israel's delegation to the Doha talks reportedly includes the directors of its Mossad foreign intelligence agency, Shin Bet domestic security service, and the military’s hostage affairs chief. CIA Director William Burns, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, and Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel have also joined the talks. Qatari and Egyptian officials are said to be mediating with Hamas as part of the negotiation process.
Following the commencement of discussions on Thursday, John Kirby mentioned that the talks are likely to continue due to the complexity of the agreement. He clarified that the debate is not about the overall framework of the deal, which is generally accepted, but rather the execution details. He expressed optimism that the remaining obstacles can be overcome and stressed the importance of finalizing the process.
The first phase of the proposed deal, as outlined by President Biden in May, includes a six week ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all populated areas of Gaza, and the exchange of some hostages for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. The subsequent phases involve the release of all remaining living hostages and the beginning of a significant reconstruction plan for Gaza, along with the return of the remains of deceased hostages.
A senior Hamas official stated that the group would not attend the Doha talks, despite its political leadership being based in the Qatari capital. He accused Israel of adding new conditions, including maintaining control over the Philadelphi corridor along Gaza's southern border with Egypt and screening displaced individuals returning to northern Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office denied these claims, calling them “essential clarifications to help implement” the initial proposal.
Displaced Palestinian civilians, such as Aya, who is sheltering in Deir al Balah, are expressing hope that this round of talks will bring an end to the conflict, as each hour brings new casualties and destruction. Similarly, the families of the remaining Israeli hostages believe that time is running out, with many participating in a march through Tel Aviv to urge negotiators to "seal the deal."
In addition to halting the conflict and securing the release of hostages, the ceasefire talks are viewed as a means to prevent Iranian retaliation for the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh. The Iran backed Hezbollah movement in Lebanon has also vowed to respond to the killing of a senior commander in an Israeli airstrike, which has already led to the deaths of 12 children in the Israeli occupied Golan Heights.
Israel has issued warnings to Iran, stating that any aggression will be met with a heavy price, while Iran insists that a punitive response to an aggressor is a legal right. John Kirby emphasized that the U.S. and its allies are taking the rhetoric from Tehran seriously, acknowledging the potential for an attack with little or no warning in the coming days.
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