Ceasefire negotiations in Gaza have hit a critical impasse as Israeli and Hamas delegations remain divided over the scope of Israeli troop withdrawals, according to Palestinian and Israeli sources close to the Doha-mediated talks. The deadlock comes amid fresh violence that left 17 dead during an aid distribution effort on Saturday.
U.S.-backed proposals for a 60-day truce – now in their seventh day of discussion – face resistance over territorial disputes. A Palestinian source revealed Hamas rejected Israeli withdrawal maps that would maintain control over 40% of Gaza, including Rafah and strategic northern areas. Israeli officials accuse Hamas of inflexibility, while the group maintains Israel’s demands undermine meaningful progress.
The humanitarian crisis intensified as Gaza medics reported Israeli troops fatally shot 17 civilians attempting to access food aid. Witnesses described victims sustaining head and torso wounds, though Israeli military reviews claim no evidence of soldier-caused injuries. The UN reports 800 aid-related deaths in six weeks under the current distribution system.
Key sticking points include Hamas’ demand for guaranteed war termination before hostage releases and Israel’s insistence on dismantling Hamas’ governance as a precondition. With both sides referencing terms from previous ceasefire agreements, international observers warn the stalemate risks prolonging civilian suffering.
