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By Ezekiel David
Hamas announced on Wednesday it will not join the Gaza ceasefire talks set for Thursday in Qatar, though mediators plan to consult with the group afterwards. Despite Hamas’ absence, US officials expect the talks to proceed in Doha, emphasising the need for urgent progress to avoid a wider conflict.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has postponed a planned Middle East trip, while Iranian officials have warned that only a Gaza ceasefire would prevent them from retaliating against Israel for the recent killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Israel will send its negotiation team to Qatar on Thursday to finalise a potential agreement.
Hamas has voiced doubts about the talks, accusing Israel of stalling, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blames Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar for blocking a deal. Despite this, Hamas’ chief negotiator remains in Doha, keeping communication open with Egypt and Qatar.
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Ahead of the talks, US envoy Amos Hochstein visited Lebanon to prevent further escalation between Hezbollah and Israel after a senior Hezbollah leader was killed. Hochstein urged all parties to avoid further delays.
Meanwhile, violence continues in Gaza, with Israeli forces escalating operations in response to Hamas rocket fire. The potential ceasefire seeks to exchange Israeli hostages for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel, but key issues like border control and movement within Gaza remain unresolved.
(Source: Reuters)
