Recent mediation efforts between the Palestinian Resistance and the Israeli occupation in Doha have collapsed, with talks now teetering on the edge of failure, as reported by a source within the Palestinian Resistance.
The source revealed that the discussions in Doha failed to lift the “veto” imposed on 65 Palestinian prisoners who are serving life sentences.
The negotiations are reportedly nearing a complete breakdown due to the Israeli occupation’s refusal to consider proposals offered by mediators to address the numerous unresolved issues.
Hamas has indicated that the current form of negotiations is unlikely to result in any agreement.
Mediators involved in the discussions are said to be deeply frustrated by the occupation’s obstinate position, which they see as the main obstacle to progress. Furthermore, the source mentioned that Washington is not applying adequate pressure on the Israeli regime, despite being fully aware that its stance is unwarranted.
Progress in ceasefire talks amidst unresolved issues
A US official cited by CNN on Monday stated that negotiators in Cairo made progress on Sunday, discussing the “final details” of a potential ceasefire agreement for the Gaza Strip, though significant differences still remain.
The official informed the American broadcaster that while progress in the Cairo negotiations is encouraging, it does not guarantee a final agreement in the near future. The negotiators are now focused on resolving the remaining contentious issues.
The remaining points of disagreement are still considerable, but the official noted that overcoming them is feasible.
Discussions are currently centered on the Israeli military’s withdrawal from “densely populated areas” in Gaza, particularly which parts of the Philadelphi Corridor qualify as such. “Israel” plans to maintain occupation posts in parts of the corridor during the first phase of the agreement.
Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested to senior negotiators that he would prefer to retain control over the Philadelphia Corridor, particularly if the choice was between maintaining Israeli control over this area or securing the return of captives.
Security Minister Yoav Gallant has accused the prime minister of intentionally sabotaging the talks, calling Netanyahu’s concept of “absolute victory” nonsense.
Palestinian Resistance groups had agreed to a deal proposed on July 2nd by US President Joe Biden, which was later revealed by US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to have been submitted to the US by “Israel.”
In this context, leaders of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad have repeatedly insisted that any agreement for a permanent ceasefire must include a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the unrestricted return of forcibly displaced residents to their homes across the Strip, comprehensive relief and reconstruction efforts, the lifting of the blockade, and a serious prisoner exchange deal.