Qatar hints progress in Israel-Hamas truce talks, Haniyeh to visit Cairo for talks

After a meeting with intelligence officials from Egypt, Israel, and the US in Paris over the weekend, Qatar's Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al Thani, stated that the meeting was successful and that good progress was made in releasing hostages and facilitating humanitarian aid in Gaza.

The proposed deal, spearheaded by Qatar and the US, aims to secure a phased truce between Israel and Hamas, the Palestinian group governing the Gaza Strip. According to Sheikh Mohammed, discussions centred on a plan that prioritizes the release of women and children held by Palestinian groups in Gaza, along with the entry of much-needed humanitarian aid into the besieged territory.

"We are hoping to relay this proposal to Hamas and to get them to a place where they engage positively and constructively in the process," stated Sheikh Mohammed during an event hosted by the Atlantic Council in Washington, DC.

Hamas has shifted its stance, moving away from demanding a permanent ceasefire as a precondition for negotiations. Sheikh Mohammed expressed optimism, stating, "I believe we moved from that place to a place that potentially might lead to a ceasefire permanently in the future."

The proposed deal follows a previous weeklong truce brokered by Qatar and the US in late November, which resulted in the release of over 100 captives by Palestinian groups in Gaza and more than 200 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces mounting pressure to secure the return of additional captives amid criticism over the civilian death toll in Gaza.

Netanyahu rejected a recent proposal by Hamas to end the conflict, citing concerns about leaving the armed group intact. He reiterated his stance that only a maximum pressure campaign would compel Hamas to release all captives.

Responding to claims by Netanyahu that Qatar has failed to leverage its influence to pressure Hamas, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized Qatar's mediation efforts. "We are using our good offices to connect, bridge gaps, to come up with some alternatives. And this way has worked," he stated.

Meanwhile, Ismail Haniyeh, the Qatar-based political leader of Hamas, announced plans to visit Cairo for discussions on a ceasefire proposal developed in Paris. The proposal outlines three phases, including the release of women, children, and the elderly as the initial step in exchange for a six-week ceasefire.

Haniyeh emphasized Hamas's priority to halt the Israeli military offensive and withdraw Israeli troops from Gaza. However, Israel's government remains steadfast in its goal to dismantle Hamas and exclude the group from governing the territory post-conflict.

While progress has been made in negotiations, challenges persist, with approximately 136 Israelis still believed to be held captive in Gaza. The fate of these individuals underscores the urgency for a comprehensive truce agreement that addresses humanitarian concerns and ensures lasting peace in the region.