According to Times of Israel, Efforts to secure a new hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas have hit a major roadblock, with the main point of contention centering on whether Israel will provide assurances that it will not resume military operations in Gaza after the hostages are freed.
According to a Palestinian source cited by Kan public broadcaster, this demand for a guarantee has become the primary obstacle in the ongoing negotiations.
Hamas is reportedly insisting on international guarantees, including from the United States, to ensure that Israel does not restart the war once all hostages are released. This issue has prevented any significant breakthrough in the current round of talks, which are being mediated in Qatar with involvement from both Qatari and US officials.
The renewed negotiations began following a major new Israeli military offensive in Gaza, described as the most intense wave of strikes in months. Despite the escalation, both sides returned to the table, with Hamas expressing willingness to discuss the release of hostages as part of a broader ceasefire agreement. The latest proposal reportedly involves the release of nine to ten hostages in exchange for a two-month truce and the release of Palestinian prisoners by Israel.
However, Israel has so far refused to commit to a permanent end to hostilities, stating that any truce would be temporary and conditional on Hamas’s defeat. Israeli officials have maintained that they will not withdraw troops or agree to an indefinite ceasefire, a stance that directly conflicts with Hamas’s core demand for guarantees against the resumption of war.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate amid ongoing military operations and restrictions on aid deliveries. Reports indicate that hundreds have been killed in recent strikes, and international organizations have warned of worsening conditions for civilians.
Despite the renewed dialogue, the gap between the two sides remains wide. Hamas has made clear that without firm international guarantees, particularly from the US, it will not agree to a deal that could see the release of the remaining hostages. Meanwhile, Israel continues to press for a framework that secures the hostages’ freedom without relinquishing its military objectives in Gaza.
As negotiations continue, the fate of dozens of hostages and the prospect of a lasting ceasefire remain uncertain, with the issue of guarantees against renewed conflict standing as the most significant hurdle to progress.
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