Three-Hour Talks End with No Results... Israel and Hamas Remain at an Impasse

Exchange of Positions and Explanations Through Qatari and Egyptian Mediation
Both Sides Maintain Previous Stances
Attention on Trump-Netanyahu Meeting on the 7th

Israel and the Palestinian armed group Hamas began ceasefire negotiations in Qatar on the 6th (local time), but concluded their first meeting without reaching an agreement, according to the BBC.

A Palestinian official familiar with the negotiations told the BBC that "the talks were held separately in two buildings in Doha, Qatar, and lasted for about three and a half hours." He added, "Although both sides exchanged positions and explanations through Qatari and Egyptian mediators, there was no progress."

He stated, "The negotiations are expected to resume on Monday," and added, "The mediators plan to hold separate meetings with each delegation to continue efforts to overcome obstacles and narrow differences."

Reuters reported, citing two Palestinian officials, that the Israeli delegation participating in the negotiations "lacked substantive authority and was therefore unable to reach an agreement with Hamas." This suggests that the dispatched delegation had not been granted sufficient authority.

This round of negotiations coincided with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to the United States. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that "the meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on the 7th will bring progress in the negotiations on hostage release and a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip," adding that "he has given clear instructions to the Israeli negotiating team to secure a ceasefire agreement under conditions acceptable to Israel."

However, both sides continue to negotiate without making any concessions. Hamas appears to be maintaining its previous stance. Their conditions include: a guarantee that all hostilities will be completely halted even after the ceasefire ends, and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces. These are conditions that the Netanyahu government has consistently rejected.

Israel's position remains unchanged as well. Before departing, Prime Minister Netanyahu once again emphasized three objectives: rescuing and repatriating all surviving hostages and casualties, destroying Hamas's capabilities, and ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel.

Israel began airstrikes on the Gaza Strip after approximately 1,200 of its citizens were killed in a preemptive attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023. According to the Gaza Strip Ministry of Health, operated by Hamas, at least 57,338 people have died cumulatively since then.