Ceasefire, hostage deal talks resume in Qatar amidst escalating Gaza conflict

New Delhi, Aug 15: Efforts to broker a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip have resumed in Qatar, as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to escalate.

International media reported that the death toll among Palestinians has now surpassed 40,000, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. This figure, representing approximately 1.7% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, underscores the severe human cost of the war.

Since the October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel, which claimed the lives of around 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages being taken, Israeli military action in Gaza has been relentless. Satellite imagery reveals that nearly 60% of Gaza’s buildings have been damaged or destroyed, with Rafah, in the south, suffering the most extensive damage.

Meanwhile, the United States and Israel have dispatched delegations to Qatar for renewed ceasefire talks, set to begin later today. Hamas, while initially unwilling to participate in direct negotiations, has indicated its willingness to assess Israel’s response to truce proposals through mediators.

Despite the ongoing negotiations, expectations for a breakthrough remain low. An agreement is seen as critical to preventing the 10-month conflict from spiralling into a broader regional war, particularly involving Iran. However, tensions remain high following the assassination of Hamas’s political leader and chief negotiator, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran at the end of July—an event that has further complicated the situation. Iran has vowed retaliation, raising concerns about wider escalation.

The Israeli delegation to Doha reportedly includes high-ranking officials, such as the directors of Mossad and Shin Bet, alongside military representatives focused on the hostage crisis. CIA Director William Burns is also expected to attend, alongside key figures from Qatar and Egypt. The mediators have urged both Israel and Hamas to urgently resume discussions, highlighting a framework agreement that could potentially bring relief to Gaza’s beleaguered population and secure the release of the remaining hostages, including 39 who are presumed dead.

The proposed deal, outlined by U.S. President Joe Biden, envisions a three-phase process: a six-week ceasefire and partial Israeli withdrawal, the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, and a comprehensive reconstruction plan for Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denied accusations of adding new conditions to the proposal, describing them instead as “essential clarifications” to ensure its successful implementation.