Israel Reports: Gaza negotiations at an impasse again
According to media reports, the indirect negotiations on a ceasefire and the release of hostages in the Gaza war are once again at an impasse. According to several Israeli officials, the Islamist Hamas is still refusing to provide Israel with a list of names of the living hostages held in the Gaza Strip, reported the "Times of Israel". According to the Wall Street Journal, Arab mediators expect both sides to return to the negotiating table only after the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump on January 20.
02.01.2025, 07:41
02.01.2025, 07:44
SDA
Trump had threatened Hamas that there would be "hell to pay" for those responsible for the atrocities in the Middle East if the hostages were not released before he took office. He left open what exactly he meant by this.
The USA, Egypt and Qatar have been trying to mediate a ceasefire for months. Only recently have there been signs of a possible agreement. Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz said in mid-December that an agreement with Hamas was "closer than ever". However, Hamas reportedly renewed its demand for an end to the war, which Israel rejects.
The Islamists have not yet presented the mediators with a complete list of all hostages. According to media reports, Hamas stated that they needed more time and a pause in the fighting to find out their whereabouts and state of health. Some of the 100 or so hostages held in Gaza are said to be in the hands of other extremist groups. However, Israel does not accept Hamas' claim that it is unable to provide a list of the hostages, the Times of Israel reported.
