Written By Lisa Murimi
Hamas has announced it will not participate in the upcoming indirect ceasefire and hostage release talks scheduled to resume in Doha on Thursday.
The group’s senior official criticized the process, demanding a clear roadmap for implementing the proposed deal and accusing Israel of adding new conditions.
Hamas insists the negotiations should adhere to the framework outlined by U.S. President Joe Biden in May, which includes a complete ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and humanitarian aid provisions.
The talks, involving U.S., Egyptian, and Qatari mediators, are expected to proceed without Hamas, aiming to address unresolved issues.
The discussions have been delayed since the assassination of Hamas’s chief negotiator, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran last month. The U.S. is keen to finalize a deal to prevent potential Iranian retaliation and to mitigate regional tensions.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani have emphasized the need for all parties to avoid actions that could hinder the negotiations.
Despite Israel’s denial of adding new conditions, controversy persists. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu contends that adjustments made were clarifications rather than new demands, while Hamas maintains that Israel has reneged on earlier agreements.
The complexity of the negotiations highlights the fragile and contentious nature of the ongoing conflict.
