Ceasefire negotiations in Gaza faced renewed obstacles this week as Israeli and U.S. delegations withdrew from talks in Doha, Qatar, citing stalled progress. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff accused Hamas of acting in "selfish" interests, while Israel emphasized consultations were ongoing to reassess strategy. The impasse coincides with worsening conditions in Gaza, where health authorities report over 59,210 deaths and 143,040 injuries since October 2023.
Hamas expressed surprise at Witkoff\u2019s remarks, asserting its commitment to negotiations. Mediators had reportedly welcomed the group\u2019s latest proposal, which includes demands for the release of 200 militants and 2,000 civilians detained by Israel\u2014a figure far exceeding Israel\u2019s reported offer. Meanwhile, Gaza\u2019s humanitarian crisis deepened, with four additional starvation-related deaths reported Thursday, bringing the total to 115 since March.
While Israel\u2019s Kan TV News described the pause in talks as a \u201ccoordinated move\u201d requiring \u201cfateful decisions,\u201d international observers warn of escalating regional tensions. The deadlock leaves millions in Gaza facing acute shortages of food, water, and medical supplies, with no immediate resolution in sight.
