GAZA CITY: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would send a team to Qatar for talks on a Gaza truce and hostage release, but insisted Hamas’ proposed changes to a US-backed deal were “unacceptable”.
Hamas had said it was ready to “immediately” resume negotiations, but its counterproposal included new conditions for an Israeli withdrawal and guarantees against renewed fighting – terms Netanyahu rejected.
“In light of the situation assessment, the prime minister has agreed to proximity talks based on the Qatari proposal already accepted by Israel,” his office said.
US President Donald Trump, pushing for a resolution to the 21-month war, said aboard Air Force One: “We have to get it over with. We have to do something about Gaza.”
According to Palestinian sources, the proposal includes a 60-day truce in which Hamas would release 10 living hostages and several bodies in exchange for Palestinians held in Israeli jails.
The war, which began with Hamas’ October 2023 assault that killed 1,219 people in Israel, has left over 57,000 dead in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The UN deems the figures credible.
Of the 251 hostages seized, 49 remain in Gaza – including 27 believed dead.
Egypt and the US are coordinating indirect talks.
Egypt’s foreign ministry said its envoy spoke with Washington’s truce negotiator, Steve Witkoff, to prepare for upcoming meetings.
At a Tel Aviv protest, Macabit Mayer- whose niece and nephew are held in Gaza- urged a deal “that saves everyone”.
But progress has stalled over Hamas’ demand for a permanent ceasefire, a red line for Israel. – AFP
