Gaza Ceasefire Talks on Brink of Collapse, Officials Say
Gaza Ceasefire Talks on Brink of Collapse, Officials Say
Negotiations aimed at securing a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal are reportedly on the verge of collapse, according to Palestinian officials familiar with the discussions. The high-stakes talks, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the US, have reached an impasse over critical issues, casting doubt on the immediate prospects for a truce.
Sources indicate that the primary sticking points revolve around the mechanism for humanitarian aid distribution within Gaza and the extent of any Israeli military withdrawal. Hamas insists that aid must be channeled through UN agencies and international relief organizations, while Israel advocates for a controversial Israeli and US-backed mechanism.
A major point of contention also emerged regarding the size of a proposed Israeli ‘buffer zone’ within Gaza. Initial Israeli proposals suggested a limited zone, but subsequent maps provided to mediators reportedly showed significantly deeper military positions, covering vast swathes of territory, including parts of Rafah, Khan Younis, and northern towns. Palestinian officials have accused Israel of deliberately stalling the process and negotiating in bad faith.
Adding to the tensions, allegations have surfaced that Israel is pursuing a long-term strategy of forced displacement under the guise of humanitarian planning, referencing a controversial plan by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz to establish a ‘humanitarian city’ in Rafah for up to 2.1 million Palestinians, which critics have likened to a ‘concentration camp’.
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