Efforts to broker a ceasefire and hostage release between Israel and Hamas have reached a deadlock, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said Tuesday in Doha, citing irreconcilable differences between the two sides. Talks involving Qatar, Egypt, and the United States have reportedly stalled, despite recent proposals and high-level diplomatic pressure.
“One side seeks a comprehensive agreement for Gaza, while the other insists on a partial deal. We have not been able to bridge the gap,” Al-Thani said. He blamed Israel’s “irresponsible and aggressive behavior” for undermining negotiations, referencing the Israeli military’s expanded campaign in Gaza following the release of hostage Edan Alexander.
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In recent days, Israel has ramped up its military campaign in Gaza, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing on Monday to “take control” of all of Gaza. According to Gaza’s Hamas-run Health Ministry, more than 90 Palestinians were killed on Monday and hundreds more were killed over the weekend.
Despite the impasse, Qatar remains committed to mediation, Al-Thani added. “We are determined, alongside our partners, to stop the war, secure the release of hostages and end the suffering of Gaza’s civilians,” he said.
Netanyahu is reportedly considering recalling Israel’s delegation from Doha, although his team has stayed in place under pressure from the US. Israel’s public broadcaster cited an Israeli official who said that the delegation was staying “in order not to offend the United States.”
Meanwhile, Israeli sources say Jerusalem accepted a US-backed proposal involving a temporary ceasefire and hostage release. Hamas has yet to respond, which mediators interpret as a refusal.