JERUSALEM – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorized Israeli negotiators to continue talks in Doha on a hostage release on January 2, following accusations from both Israel and Hamas of stalling progress in the negotiations.
Indirect negotiations, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, have been ongoing in Doha, aiming to reach a ceasefire and hostage release agreement. However, both sides have accused each other of creating obstacles, delaying a potential deal.
Netanyahu approved a delegation from the Mossad (spy agency), the IDF (Israel Defense Forces), and the ISA (Israeli Security Agency) to continue the negotiations. A Hamas team also reached Cairo to prepare for the upcoming talks in Doha.
The negotiations have faced several stumbling blocks, including Israel’s reluctance to agree to a lasting ceasefire and disagreements over Gaza’s post-war governance. Critics in Israel have accused Netanyahu of stalling, while Hamas has accused Israeli negotiators of introducing new conditions.
The conflict began with Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, resulting in 1,200 deaths and the seizure of 251 hostages, 96 of whom remain in Gaza. Israel’s retaliatory campaign has resulted in over 45,500 deaths in Gaza, according to Hamas-run territory’s health ministry.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that if Hamas does not soon release the hostages and continues firing rockets, Israel will intensify its strikes in Gaza.
Despite the challenges, the negotiations continue, with hopes for a resolution that will bring peace to the region.