Prospects for Gaza ceasefire remain bleak, Hamas accuses Israel of further complicating

Hamas said on August 16 that the prospects for a ceasefire in Gaza remain bleak, and accused Israel of imposing new conditions that further complicate ongoing negotiations.

Missiles fired from southern Lebanon were intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome air defense system over Upper Galilee in northern Israel. Since October 8, 2023, Hezbollah-led forces in Lebanon have been attacking Israeli communities and military outposts along the border almost daily, claiming support for Hamas in Gaza. Tensions were particularly high when the group vowed revenge for Israel's killing of its leader Shukr on July 30. (Source: AFP/Getty Images)

The two-day talks in Doha, Qatar, involving officials from the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Israel, concluded on August 16th. The negotiations are expected to continue in Cairo, Egypt, in the coming days.

Despite positive statements from key mediators, Hamas – which did not participate in the Doha talks – maintains that the ceasefire negotiations in Gaza have so far made no progress.

The National News of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) quoted Walid Kilani, Hamas spokesman in Lebanon, as saying: "The information we have received from the negotiations does not meet the aspirations of the Palestinian people and seems to offer no prospects. The results so far do not reflect what was agreed upon in July 2024."

Kilani accused Israel of imposing further conditions and attempting to establish a new reality. He added that Israel continues to obstruct efforts to reach a solution, even though Hamas has welcomed the ceasefire plan proposed by US President Joe Biden.

Prior to the August 15th talks, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that the US administration still expects members of the Hamas Islamic movement to participate in negotiations on a potential ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

Speaking to reporters, Jean-Pierre shared: "As you know, August 15th is the day everyone will return to the negotiating table. All negotiators should return to the negotiating table and bring this agreement to a conclusion."

When asked if she saw any chance of progress if Hamas refused to return to the negotiating table, Jean-Pierre said: "It is time for Hamas to release the hostages, including American citizens, and bring relief to the people of Gaza under the agreement currently being offered." The US official emphasized that, from Washington's perspective, a ceasefire in Gaza would be the best way to ease the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, the Hamas Islamic movement, which is not participating in these negotiations, insists that any agreement must "achieve a comprehensive ceasefire, including a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and the return of displaced persons to their homes."

On August 16, the US, with the support of Egypt and Qatar, presented a ceasefire proposal aimed at "bridging the remaining gap" between Israel and Hamas.

In a joint statement, the US, Egypt, and Qatar emphasized: "The proposal, based on points reached over the past week, is designed to bridge the remaining gaps to allow for the swift implementation of a ceasefire agreement."

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/trien-vong-thoa-thuan-ngung-ban-o-gaza-van-am-dam-hamas-cao-buoc-israel-dang-lam-phuc-tap-them-282900.html