Qatar: Israel appears unwilling to reach an agreement

Qatar: Israel appears unwilling to reach an agreement

July 02, 2025

In a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, Qatar has expressed its frustration with Israel's reluctance to reach an agreement on a ceasefire proposal. The proposal, brokered by Egypt and Qatar, includes the release of 200 Palestinian detainees and an unspecified number of imprisoned women and minors in exchange for 10 living and 18 deceased hostages from Gaza [2].

The Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that Hamas' response to the ceasefire proposal was "positive," but Israel has been studying the plan and has made demands that all 50 remaining captives be returned. Despite the positive response from Hamas, Israel has continued its military operations, intensifying attacks on Gaza City and other areas, resulting in at least 60 deaths over the past 24 hours [2].

The Egyptian Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, has called for pressure on Israel to accept the truce plan, stating that it is crucial for mitigating the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. The proposal, which includes a 60-day ceasefire, is a significant step towards ending the nearly two-year-old conflict, but Israel's demands and continued military operations have put the agreement in jeopardy [2].

The United Nations has also weighed in, criticizing Israel's block on bringing tents into Gaza, despite ongoing displacement orders. The UN's humanitarian agency, OCHA, has stated that shelter items have been banned for about five months, leaving displaced residents without adequate housing [2].

Despite the international pressure and humanitarian concerns, Israel has maintained its stance that any ceasefire must include the release of all 50 hostages. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel will dispatch negotiators once a location for talks is set, but the government is also preparing to seize Gaza City, the densely populated center of the Palestinian enclave [1].

The situation remains tense, with thousands of Palestinians displaced and many more facing uncertainty and hardship. The international community continues to urge both sides to engage in meaningful negotiations and find a lasting solution to the conflict.

References:

[1] Reuters. (2025, August 21). Israel to dispatch negotiators to talks once venue is set. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/netanyahu-says-israel-resume-gaza-negotiations-end-war-free-hostages-2025-08-22/

[2] New Arab. (2025, August 22). Qatar: Israel appears unwilling to reach an agreement. Retrieved from https://www.newarab.com/news/qatar-hamas-gaza-proposal-positive-israel-bombs-enclave