Why Did Israel Recall Ceasefire Negotiators for Consultations?

Jerusalem, July 25 (NationPress) Israel has made the decision to withdraw its Gaza ceasefire negotiation team from Doha, Qatar, for further consultations, according to a statement issued by the Israeli Prime Minister's Office.

This move was prompted by Hamas' response to the mediators' proposal made on Thursday, which called for a 60-day ceasefire alongside the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners.

"We value the efforts made by mediators Qatar and Egypt, as well as US envoy Steve Witkoff, in striving for a breakthrough in the negotiations," the statement continued.

As reported by Israel's state-owned Kan TV News, a source familiar with the negotiations indicated that "the talks did not collapse."

According to this source, "This is a coordinated action among all parties," and emphasized the need for critical decisions, which is why the delegation returned for additional discussions. The overall atmosphere remains positive.

Another source cited by Kan TV News revealed that Hamas is demanding the release of 200 Palestinian militants and 2,000 Gazan civilians who were detained after October 7, 2023, the onset of the Gaza war.

These figures significantly exceed the numbers proposed by Israel, which included the release of approximately 120 militants and another 1,200 civilians, as reported by Xinhua.

Earlier on Thursday, Hamas confirmed it had submitted its response, along with feedback from other Palestinian factions, to the mediators.

Netanyahu's office acknowledged receipt of this response and stated that it is currently under evaluation. However, neither party has disclosed the specifics of the response.

Channel 12 reported that Hamas has requested the release of 200 Palestinians serving life sentences for killing Israelis in exchange for 10 living hostages, in addition to the release of 2,000 Palestinians detained by Israeli forces since October 7, 2023.

The initial proposal, which Israel reportedly accepted, included the release of 125 prisoners serving life terms and 1,200 others arrested in Gaza since the conflict began.

Israel Hayom, citing unnamed security officials, indicated that the Israeli military is preparing to intensify its ground operations in Gaza in response to Hamas' reply.

In a separate report, a well-placed source told the same outlet that the recall of the Israeli negotiating team from Doha should not be interpreted as a positive development.

"On the contrary," the source remarked, alleging that Hamas is creating hurdles in the pathway to a potential agreement.

According to Tel Aviv, approximately 50 hostages are believed to be in captivity, with 20 of them currently held in Gaza.

Over 10,800 Palestinians are incarcerated in Israeli prisons, where they reportedly endure torture, starvation, and medical neglect, leading to numerous fatalities, as per reports from Palestinian and Israeli human rights organizations and media outlets.

Since July 6, indirect dialogues between Israel and Hamas have been ongoing in Doha, facilitated by Qatar and Egypt with support from the US, aiming to achieve a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange agreement.

Since October 2023, more than 59,500 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, have been killed in the Gaza Strip due to the military campaign, which has wreaked havoc on the enclave, collapsed its healthcare system, and resulted in dire food shortages.