Israel’s proposal to extend first phase of truce to 60 days comes without it fulfilling its commitment to a full withdrawal from Gaza Strip or a permanent ceasefire.
United States Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff is in Doha for the latest attempt to jumpstart negotiations regarding the Gaza ceasefire.
The talks, which began on Tuesday, come as Israel pushes for progress on releasing hostages while proposing a 60-day extension of the ceasefire deal with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Witkoff will meet Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who has spearheaded Doha’s mediation efforts between Palestinian group Hamas and Israel.
Israel’ proposal to extend the first phase of the ceasefire from its inititial 42 days to 60 days is aimed at securing the release of its remaining captives held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. However, this extension would be without fulfilling Israel’s commitment to a full withdrawal or a permanent ceasefire—terms that were initially part of the second phase of the truce.
The first phase of the deal ended on March 1, with negotiations over the second phase stalled. Some 33 Israeli captives, including eight bodies, were released – in addition to five Thai workers – over nine separate exchanges.
Israel has released 1,755 Palestinian prisoners from its detention centres within the same period following several delays.
There are 59 captives are still in the Gaza Strip, including 22 who are believed to be alive, and 35 that were killed by Israel’s relentless bombardment.
Hamas has rejected Israel’s demand for an extension, underscoring the need to commit to the original framework agreed upon in January.
Qatar, Egypt and the United States brokered the deal between Hamas and Israel on January 15, with the agreement coming into effect on January 19.
Israel has continuously violated terms of the deal since it came into effect by carrying out several attacks on the Gaza Strip and completely suspending the entry of aid and life-saving supplies.
On Sunday, Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen cut off electricity from Gaza’s last operating power facility, which will also deprive Palestinians in the enclave of clean water,
Since October 7, 2023, Israel’s genocide has devastated the besieged strip, and killed over 61,709 Palestinians. Thousands more remain missing, rapped under the rubble.
