doha, Qatar – High-level delegations are converging on peace talks as Hamas has reportedly submitted a list of prisoners it demands be released in exchange for hostages held in Gaza, signaling a potential, albeit fragile, step toward a ceasefire. The negotiations, involving Qatari, Egyptian, and other international mediators, come amid growing international pressure to end the ongoing conflict.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari emphasized the need for “strong, written international guarantees” to ensure Israel adheres to any agreement reached. He stated Qatar seeks assurances that negotiations currently underway in Egypt – concerning the return of hostages, the release of Palestinian security prisoners, and a pause in fighting – will ultimately lead to Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza, increased aid access, and a permanent end to the war.
While 20 principles have been agreed upon, al-Ansari cautioned, “the devil is in the details, as they say in english.” A major obstacle remains pressure on Hamas to disarm, a condition the group has thus far refused to consider, according to a Palestinian source familiar with the discussions.
The timing of implementing elements of former President Donald Trump’s 20-point initiative is also unresolved, the source added. Trump’s plan envisions an international body, led by Trump and including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, overseeing Gaza’s post-war administration. While some Arab nations supporting the plan hope it will pave the way for Palestinian statehood, Israeli Prime Minister benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly ruled out such a prospect.
Hamas is seeking a permanent ceasefire, a complete Israeli withdrawal, and the immediate commencement of reconstruction efforts overseen by a Palestinian “national technocratic body.” Israel, conversely, insists on Hamas’s disarmament, a demand hamas rejects, stating it will not relinquish it’s weapons untill a Palestinian state is established.
U.S.officials have indicated a focus on initially securing a halt to hostilities and establishing a logistical framework for the exchange of hostages and prisoners.
