A new round of ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel has begun in Doha, Qatar, despite Israel’s recent large-scale attacks on Gaza. Taher al-Nunu, an advisor to Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, confirmed the negotiations started on Saturday, May 17, without any preconditions.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Hamas negotiators had returned to indirect talks in Qatar multiple times, showing willingness to discuss hostage agreements. This comes after Israel’s military announced Operation “Gideon’s Chariots” to seize strategic areas in Gaza and free hostages. The operation is expected to involve thousands of Israeli troops, including reservists.
The Israeli military said they will not stop until Hamas is no longer a threat and all hostages are freed. In the past 24 hours, they have carried out over 150 airstrikes in Gaza. The Hamas-run Civil Defense Office reported at least 300 deaths since Thursday, with 146 in the last 24 hours, and many more injured.
The latest violence started in mid-March after a ceasefire agreement expired. Israel has since blocked aid to Gaza. US President Joe Biden, in a statement on Friday, warned that many people in Gaza are on the brink of starvation.
Background
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has been ongoing for years, with periods of relative calm punctuated by outbreaks of violence. The latest escalation began when the ceasefire agreement expired, and efforts to negotiate a new one failed.
International Response
The international community has been urging both sides to return to negotiations. The US has been particularly vocal, with President Biden calling for a ceasefire and increased aid to Gaza.
- The UN has also called for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access to Gaza.
- The EU has expressed concern over the escalating violence and the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
The situation remains volatile, with both sides dug in. The outcome of the negotiations in Doha remains uncertain.
Source: BBC