The initial phase of indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas regarding a possible ceasefire and the release of hostages concluded late Sunday night in Qatar without any concrete results, according to a Reuters report citing two Palestinian Arab insiders familiar with the talks.
According to these sources, Israel’s representatives lacked the necessary authority to commit to any binding deal with Hamas. “After the first session of indirect negotiations in Doha, the Israeli delegation is not sufficiently authorized and is not authorized to reach an agreement with Hamas, as it has no real powers”, the sources told Reuters.
The discussions followed an announcement by Hamas on Friday evening in which the group said it had responded favorably to the latest ceasefire framework. However, it also noted that it had proposed what it referred to as “minor amendments” to the terms.
Shortly after, on Saturday night, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made clear that these proposed adjustments would not be accepted. “The changes that Hamas is seeking to make in the Qatari proposal were conveyed to us last night and are unacceptable to Israel,” the statement said.
Nevertheless, Israel still chose to dispatch a delegation to Doha on Sunday to participate in the mediation efforts.
The negotiations also coincided with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s departure for Washington, where he is scheduled to meet President Donald Trump on Monday.
Before boarding his flight, Netanyahu addressed the press, reiterating that Israel would remain steadfast in its war aims. “There are great achievements and missions that must be accomplished. We freed hostages. There are 20 living hostages and 30 deceased ones left. I am determined to return them all, and for Gaza not to be a threat to Israel.”
He continued, emphasizing Israel’s uncompromising stance against Hamas. “We will not allow the encouragement of hostage taking and murder – that means the elimination of Hamas’s military capabilities. I am committed to all the objectives, and we will achieve them with our soldiers and the correct and bold decisions that we’ve made,” stated the Prime Minister.
{Matzav.com Israel}
