Gaza Ceasefire Talks Resume Without Hamas Amidst Escalating Violence
Death Toll Reaches 40,000 as Negotiations Begin in Doha
A new round of ceasefire negotiations aimed at ending the devastating war in Gaza has commenced in Doha, Qatar, without the participation of Hamas, the Palestinian militant group controlling the territory. The talks, facilitated by mediators from the US, Qatar, and Egypt, aim to prevent the conflict from spiraling into a region-wide Middle East war.
Gaps Between Parties Remain Wide
Despite a publicly proposed three-phase plan by US President Joe Biden in May, both Hamas and Israel have requested “amendments” and “clarifications,” leaving talks at an impasse. Key issues include the presence of Israeli troops on the Gaza-Egypt border, the sequencing of a hostage release, and the return of civilians from southern to northern Gaza.
Regional Tensions Escalate
The renewed push for talks comes after the July 31 assassinations of a top Hezbollah commander and Hamas’s political chief, Ismail Haniyeh, which threaten to transform the Gaza war into a broader conflict. Iran and Hezbollah have blamed Israel for the killings and vowed to retaliate.
US Deploys Military Assets to Region
In response to the escalating tensions, the US has deployed warships, submarines, and warplanes to defend Israel against potential attacks from Iran and its allied militias. The White House’s national security spokesperson, John Kirby, acknowledged that talks had begun with a “promising start” but cautioned that an immediate agreement is unlikely due to the significant gaps between the parties.
International Pressure Mounts
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy urged all parties to engage in negotiations in good faith, emphasizing that a ceasefire would protect civilians in Gaza and pave the way for wider de-escalation and stability in the region.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
As talks continue, the Israeli army has intensified its ground operation in Gaza’s southern city of Khan Younis, with local residents reporting artillery and aerial attacks. The death toll in Gaza has reached 40,000, with 70% believed to be women and children. The local authorities do not differentiate between civilian and militant casualties.
Hamas Reaffirms Demands
In a statement, Hamas reaffirmed its demands, including a focus on implementing the Biden plan rather than allowing Israel to “stall for time.” The group’s absence from the talks has dampened expectations of a breakthrough.
Palestinian Leader Vows to Visit Gaza
Mahmoud Abbas, the head of the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority, vowed to visit the Gaza Strip during an address to the Turkish parliament in Ankara. However, it remains unclear how Abbas, 88, will fulfill his pledge, as Israel controls all of Gaza’s border crossings.
