Hamas said on Wednesday it would not take part in a new round of Gaza ceasefire talks slated for Thursday in Qatar, but an official briefed on the talks said mediators expected to consult with the Palestinian group afterwards.
The U.S. has said it expects indirect talks to go ahead as planned in Qatar's capital Doha on Thursday, and that a ceasefire agreement was still possible, while warning that progress was needed urgently to avert a wider war.
Axios reported that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has postponed a trip to the Middle East that had been expected to begin on Tuesday. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters that CIA Director Bill Burns and U.S. Middle East envoy Brett McGurk will represent Washington at the talks on Thursday in Qatar.
Three senior Iranian officials have said that only a ceasefire deal in Gaza would hold Iran back from direct retaliation against Israel for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on its soil last month.
"Israel will send the negotiations team on the agreed upon date, that's tomorrow Aug. 15th, in order to finalise the details of the implementation of the framework agreement," government spokesperson David Mencer said in a briefing.
The delegation includes Israel's spy chief David Barnea, head of the domestic security service Ronen Bar and the military's hostages chief Nitzan Alon, a defence official said.
Hamas has voiced scepticism about the talks, accusing Israel of stalling. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar has been the main obstacle to a deal.
"Going to new negotiations allows the occupation to impose new conditions and employ the maze of negotiation to conduct more massacres," Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri told Reuters.
Hamas' absence from the talks does not eliminate chances of progress since its chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya is based in Doha and the group has open channels with Egypt and Qatar.
"Hamas is committed to the proposal presented to it on July 2, which is based on the U.N. Security Council resolution and the Biden speech and the movement is prepared to immediately begin discussion over a mechanism to implement it," said Abu Zuhri.
A source familiar with the matter said Hamas wants the mediators to come back with a "serious response" from Israel. If that happens, the group says, it will meet with mediators after the Thursday session. An official briefed on the talks process said mediators expected to consult with Hamas.
In a statement Hamas issued late on Wednesday jointly with some smaller factions, it reaffirmed the outstanding demands the factions wanted a ceasefire agreement to achieve.
The group said negotiations "should examine mechanisms to implement what was agreed upon in the framework deal submitted by mediators that would achieve a comprehensive ceasefire, a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces, breaking the siege, opening crossings and reconstruction of Gaza as well as reaching a serious hostages/prisoners deal."
The statement rejected any U.S. or Israeli intervention in shaping the day after the war in Gaza.
LEBANON
Amos Hochstein, a senior adviser to U.S. President Joe Biden, was in Lebanon to deter a separate escalation between Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel, after a senior Hezbollah commander was killed in Beirut's southern suburbs last month.
Hochstein met parliament speaker Nabih Berri, who heads the armed Amal movement, allied to Hezbollah, and will meet Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati.
"There's no more valid excuses from any party for any further delay," the U.S. envoy told a press conference.
In Gaza, residents of the southern city of Khan Younis said Israeli forces blew up homes in the east and intensified tank shelling on eastern areas of the city centre.
Israel said it was responding to Hamas rocket fire and had struck launching pads and militants. Armed wings of Hamas and Islamic Jihad said they had attacked Israeli forces.
Hamas also said its fighters were engaged in fierce clashes with Israeli forces in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where Israel said it had killed a number of militants.
A ceasefire deal would aim to ensure the release of Israeli hostages held there in return for Palestinians jailed in Israel, but the two sides remain divided by sequencing and other issues.
Netanyahu has insisted that Israel retain control of a border strip between Gaza and Egypt to stop weapons smuggling, though Israel's military chief of staff Herzi Halevi has said it could monitor the area remotely if necessary.
Divisions also remain over allowing people inside Gaza to travel freely between parts of the territory after a ceasefire deal.
A Hamas-led attack on Israeli communities around the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7 killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, with more than 250 taken hostage to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies.
In response, Israeli forces have razed much of Gaza, displaced most of the population and killed around 40,000 people, most of them civilians, according to the Palestinian health ministry.
Israel has lost more than 300 soldiers and says around a third of the Palestinian fatalities in Gaza have been fighters.
© Thomson Reuters 2024.
44 Comments
GuruMick
Hamas agreed to the Biden proposal of a month ago or more.
Israel refused.
Hard to negotiate in good faith when one party assassinates your negotiator mid negotiations.
While that person is in another country as their guest, doesnt help either.
4 day old twins in Gaza killed by Israeli airstrike as farther registering their births.
Haaretz media and "Breaking the Silence " {ex IDF people writing about human rights abuses in the IDF } report widespread use of Gazan civilian males , dressed as IDF, handcuffed, then forced to enter tunnels and buildings suspected of being booby trapped.
Human shields doing what IDF dogs used to do.
"Too many dogs were killed " said one IDF soldier, when speaking of the practice.
theFu
Until Hamas is gone, Israel needs to keep going. Never capitulate to terrorist. Never.
muzukashi
Peace negotiation won't work if one party assassinated other party negotiator, that just what happened recently.
stormcrow
What a miserable hell hole Iran, Hamas and Israel have created in Gaza!
JboneInTheZone
Hamas sympathizer excuses coming in 3, 2, 1….
Bob Pns
Its actions like these that just prove Hamas doesn’t care about the Palestinian people
Why refuse to negotiate?
Why hasn’t Hamas built bunkers for their citizens?
Why hasn’t Hamas worked directly with Israel to establish safe areas?
Why does Hamas continue to operate out of civilian areas?
Why does Hamas continue to operate in civilian clothing?
Why does Hamas discourage evacuations?
I feel horrible for the Palestinian people. The sooner Hamas is removed from power the better.
GuruMick
Bob Pns above....cant be bothered to correct your every assertion...they are all equally wrong and misguided.
Heres a couple of corrections anyway
Israel is the party who has repeatedly rejected ceasefire proposals.
Israel would not "work with Hamas to establish safe area " Israel bombs areas it told people to evacuate to.
All of Gaza is a "civilian area ". One of the most densely populated areas on earth.
Hamas does not have "military fatigues " and International Law does not require resistance groups to wear military uniforms.
The sooner Netanyahu is removed from power the better.
It is not Hamas that started the decades old blockade of Gaza, the refusal of any statehood and destruction of all infrastructure in this latest war.
Why does Israel bomb...hospitals...churches and Mosques...schools...Universities...destroy water infrastructure including sewerage...prevent all manner of aid from entry...destroy fishing boats and agriculture...
Who could live under this oppression and not want to strike back ?
RichardPearce
So, will the JSIP supporters who claim genocide and slaughtering hundreds of civilians if you state 'there was one legitimate target somewhere in the area' is legitimate, that anyone complaining should be quiet because attacking has consequences will be quiet when Iran responds to the unprovoked JSIP attack on Iran in the next few weeks, or will they suddenly claim that militants are protected people when they're home with their families, not actually in the act of shooting, that responses must be 'proportional' and eliminating the head of JSIP's political wing, Netanyahu, isn't proportional, makes ceasefire talks impossible, etc.
shallots
Hamas has to be defeated for peace to be achieved.
Bob Pns
If rejecting ceasefire proposals is morally wrong, then you agree that Hamas rejecting this ceasefire negotiation is morally wrong too, right?
This is not true. There are plenty of examples of Israel establishing safe areas, unfortunately Hamas doesn’t recognize these areas and operates out of them. Do you deny that Hamas operates out of safe areas?
Gaza city itself is the 63rd most densely populated urban area on earth, far away from “one of the most densely populated areas on earth”. There are plenty of areas within Gaza itself that Hamas can operate out of that would minimize civilian casualties. Why doesn’t Hamas issue evacuation orders to its people in areas they expect conflict? Why do they dress in civilian clothing, causing further danger to the civilian populace?
This is not true. What is required by international law is that combatants are required to wear distinctive signs that distinguishes them from the civilian populace. Hamas does not do this. The fact that they don’t do this proves they don’t care about the civilian populace.
Hamas was importing weapons. Israel AND Egypt are both involved in the blockade by the way.
You can make that argument, but in that case you also have to look at the Israeli perspective. One could easily say “look how they slaughtered our peaceful citizens in 10/7, how can we not want to strike back?” The only difference being right now that Israel is much better at striking back
Sanjinosebleed
Why would Hamas agree to the Israeli proposal of "release the hostages and we'll keep bombing the hell out of you!"?
Israel assassinated and slaughters at will then says we are to good guys because we want to negotiate. .. Netanyahu is a proven liar!
falseflagsteve
Please stop fighting in both sides. Stop dehumanising each other and learn understanding, otherwise these beastly events will be never ending.
Sh1mon M4sada
Hamas attended the recent China organised peace talk in China running currently, and not just as a participant either, as a major stakeholder. Still think this is about Palestinian? Terrorists at peace talks? Only in China.
The China organised event (where Israel is not present) is a pure China/Iran/Russia axis aimed at derailing peace, because they all want USA to be distracted.
Russia Ukraine
Iran Israel
China Taiwan
Qatar has no chance...not without appeasing China, Russia and Iran first.
GuruMick
Bob above.
Israel repeatedly bombs safe areas.
Morally wrong or right questions are long discarded in this genocide.
Gaza is the "world's largest open air prison " according to the UN Head. Heavily congested urban area.
What "identifying marks " should Hamas fighters wear and would bombers miles up in the sky see them...and would it make a difference ?
Israeli kibbutz function as military outposts with armories and barracks.
These were legitimate targets for Hamas on Oct 7 prison breakout.
The Israeli lies told afterwards blemished the Israeli "poor me " narrative.
BTW , the IDF Headquarters is in down town Tel Aviv....is this operating in a densely populated area using civilians as human shields. ?
Israel Defence Minister described Netanyahu's slogan of "Complete Victory " as Gibberish .
What about "occupied territories " dont people get ? Breaches of UN Conventions dont matter ?
Israel is the wrong actor in all the problems that befall it.
Jews are not God's chosen people and Israel was never "promised to Jews " by God.
Start from these points, go to the International Jewish Congress at the turn of the 20th Century, through to Lord Balfour's Declaration, the Jewish terror gangs who initiated the Nakba , the pre emptive declaration of a Jewish state in 1948 and continuing ethnic cleansing and apartheid until now....then tell me how "poor Israel " is surrounded by enemies.
u_s__reamer
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar has been the main obstacle to a deal.
Obstacle? I'm sure the Israelis are working very hard to remove it like they did the previous one with the tacit approval of their by now visibly sheepish paymasters and accomplices who, after 10 months of 24/7 "over the top" meshuggah mass-slaughter of civilians and the ruthless razing of the "open-air prison" for Palestinians called Gaza, are noticeably beginning to let their embarrassment and impatience with Netanyahu's heinous serial killing show (it's easy to dig oneself into a deep hole of immorality, but extracting oneself without soiling one's lily-white dress shirt is a much harder task even for practiced hypocrites).
WoodyLee
Bibi is the ONLY OBSTACLE to peace not just in Palestine but the rest of the world.
Ricky Kaminski13
You have to wonder why a guy would have to say the same things day in day out. Never misses a chance. Anything about Israel written, the guru must speak his hatred and scorn. October 7th was justified now Mick? Lovely stuff.
To bring the comment back on point with the article and to try to avoid being moderated, it’s proof that you simply can’t have dialogue with an ideologue, nor can you negotiate with Hamas or any other terrorists. They don’t posses ideas with the ability to consider the other side, their ideas possess them!
Bob Pns
Because Hamas operates out of them. Do you deny this?
Then why do you continue to morally load every single post you make? You constantly make claims of morality when posting here, why refuse to do it now?
Now you’re shifting goalposts. We went from “one of the most densely populated” to “heavily congested”.
There are plenty of identifying marks they could use, one example being colored armbands. Their refusal to wear them speaks volumes about how they use the civilian populace as shields.
This is not true. The kibbutzim targeted on October 7 were predominantly civilian in nature and did not serve as military installations or bases. Given this context, the kibbutzim targeted on that date would not be considered legitimate military targets. The deliberate targeting of civilians is a violation of IHL and constitutes a war crime.
Here’s a question: How was the festival a legitimate military target?
No. While the proximity of military targets to civilian populations can increase the risk to civilians during conflicts, it does not automatically constitute a violation of IHL. However, all parties in a conflict are required to take precautions to minimize harm to civilians and civilian objects which Hamas does not do. The key factor in determining the use of human shields and the difference between Israel and Hamas is intent. If the placement of military assets near civilians is not done with the intention of preventing attacks or increasing civilian casualties to dissuade enemy action, it is generally not considered using human shields. We know that Hamas doesn’t care about civilian casualties so there can be no argument made that Israel is attempting to use the populace to dissuade attack.
Yrral
Nobody in America have no fear of Israelis Jews,Jews around the world that supports the occupation, should not be given any peace until the people of Palestine get justice
WoodyLee
Oct. 7h attack "" did not happen in a vacuum "" Israel has been targeting and killing Palestinians since it's inception.
Bob Pns
The opposite is true as well.
USNinJapan2
No cease fire until Hamas releases every single Israeli hostage taken on 7 October. That must be the starting point for any negotiations.
kohakuebisu
Among other reasons, their main negotiator was murdered by Israel earlier this month on another country's soil. The man had nothing to do with October 7.
Murdering the other side's negotiator is not how you get hostages released, if that is something you actually care about.
Bob Pns
Calling him just a “main negotiator” is being dishonest. According to CNN he has been regarded as Hamas’ leader in Gaza since 2017. As head of the elected government that organized 10/7, he is a legitimate target.
YeahRight
Of course Hamas isn't going to show up. They are full of hatred, whether it be against Israel or their own women and children whom they use as human shields.
wallace
Netanyahu does want a ceasefire.
Wasabi
Yes and do not forget the hostages!
GuruMick
Hi Ricky...nice post ....you dont oppose free speech do you ? Or only anti Israel posts ?
Yeah...why wouldnt I use every chance to call out a thuggish regime and its genocide ?
Whats the problem with that .?
Israel's PM and Defence Minister are both subject to International Court arrest warrants application
These things "do not happen in a vacuum ".
And my views are by far the majority on this forum, in Japan and elsewhere in western countries.
Havent seen too many 100,000 plus marches in favour of the genocide.
I remain comfortable in my position, based on extensive reading and variety of news sources.
Wasabi
According to whom?
Wasabi
Safe areas?
Safe place for terrorist too They hide in the middle!
GuruMick
Bob above
On the "need " for Hamas to wear uniforms or similar.
Unless you can show why the practice of wearing civilian clothes in resistance fighters is expressly prohibited in International Law, I'm calling BUNK on your claim.
Did the French Resistance fighters in WW2 have to wear uniforms ?
I dont think so.
Ricky Kaminski13
these two fellows had the discussion for us guys! Take the day off . It’s obon.
https://youtu.be/eqjMIrOeP8Q?si=XIWryhtQ-HgwP96J
The Zionist NPC explained. It plays out perfectly too. Enjoy. There’s something in it for everyone;)
GuruMick
Yeah right above forgets that "Hamas showed up " to all earlier meetings until Israel murdered their representative.
Is this the action of a state seeking a ceasefire or one seeking a continuation of hostility ?
Pretty easy answer.
Bob Pns
Hamas isn’t classified as “resistance fighters” under international law, they’re classified as non-state actors. This means they do not have the legal protections afforded to state military forces or lawful combatants. They are still required to comply with IHL (International Humanitarian Law), including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and necessity, even though they do not enjoy the same legal status as regular armed forces. If they violate these laws, they can be held accountable for war crimes or other violations.
The principle of distinction (that I mentioned in the previous paragraph) mandates that combatants must distinguish themselves from civilians, especially during attacks or military operations. Hamas does not do this
I’m not here to defend France
u_s__reamer
There are plenty of identifying marks they could use, one example being colored armbands. Their refusal to wear them speaks volumes about how they use the civilian populace as shields.
Why not just put a target on their backs to make it easier for "the most cowardly army in the world" to kill them, just like the anti-German resistance forces of Europe in WW2 did (NOT). Oh, and the world has only had a brief glimpse of all the human "Hannibal" shields the fanatical Israelis will never hesitate to employ.
Cephus
"Hamas said on Wednesday it would not take part in a new round of Gaza ceasefire talks slated for Thursday in Qatar, but an official briefed on the talks said mediators expected to consult with the Palestinian group afterwards."
You can't have it both ways, on one hand you claim genocide against your people, on the other hand you don't want to take part to alleviate the situation." What does Hamas really want?
RichardPearce
That the US can't even bring itself to use the leverage it has to get Netanyahu to even pretend to be interested in negotiating a deal he'd only be asked to pretend to honor is ominous, because if it can't do that, there's no way it will be able to bring itself to disentangle itself from JSIP as it spirals into using ever more violence to try and regain dominance against Iran, even as each effort results in greater losses, both on the actual battlefields of the ME, and the symbolic battlefields of global opinion.
But the worst thing is that the predominantly non-Jewish American JSIP cult is almost certainly swing from using phony claims of antisemitism to using the old antisemitic tropes to dodge responsibility for the effects of its actions.
Bob Pns
Because that’s exactly how war is supposed to work? The point is lot distinguish yourself from the civilian populace so civilians aren’t mistakenly targeted. The fact that Hamas refuses to fight with any distinguishing marks is testament to how much they don’t care about the Palestinian populace
How many did Israel kill?
Sanjinosebleed
Genocide supporters must be so proud of the Zionist child killers . Over 40000 slaughtered 70% of whom are children and women trapped in an open air prison!
Shameful!
Some dude
"Why would we take part in truce talks when our entire ideology literally calls for the complete erasure of Israel as an entity?" noted one logical-minded Hamas member.
GuruMick
I dont think the world called the ANC and other groups in South Africa "resistance fighters " during the time of apartheid.
Hamas are resistance fighters to many nations, including Turkey, whose leader called Israel "the terrorist "
And Bob above, welcome your input , but when you raise "proportionality of response " and dont mention Israel....maaate , come on.
All labels aside....what would you expect as an outcome when Israel imprisons 3 million Gazans for decades and gives no one any hope ?
u_s__reamer
How many did Israel kill?
The number Israeli human shields killed as collateral damage by Hamas and the IDF on October 7 is apparently still a state secret. Only the poisonous propaganda promoted by Israel and its allies in a transparent attempt to justify the 10-month long massacre of civilians has been released. The world still waits in grim anticipation of uncovering the horrors perpetrated by the IDF under fire by Hamas.
John-San
Bob Pns: We all know the aggressor fight is with all Palestinians. The aggressor refers to them as animals and the IDF are hunting animals and If Hamas is one of those animals it the same as any other animal. You support the lowest form of humanity which on show. How many did Israels killed. Those were the ones torn apart by frag shell and 30mm cal shell, some 700 plus. 230 were killed by small arms shell. Do your research, It is all out in the open the UN as the evidence. now you go and found it or are to lazy to prove the aggressor is innocent.
GuruMick
All those Israelis in cars blasted by Apache and Blackhawk helicopters, then quickly buried on masse to keep things secret....until media starts sniffing around.
Didnt find evidence of beheaded babies but did find Hannibal Directive employed from 7am onwards.