Gaza ceasefire talks collapse over Israel’s occupation demands

As the talks hit a new roadblock, fierce battles between Palestinian resistance fighters and Israeli occupation forces have raged inside the strip over the past day

Jul 12, 2025

Indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israeli officials hit a deadlock in Doha, as Palestinian and Israeli sources say the talks are faltering over the scope of the proposed Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza.

The discussions are based on a US-backed framework for a 60-day ceasefire and the phased release of Israeli captives, but key issues remain unresolved.

Hamas reportedly rejected Israeli-proposed maps that would leave 40 to 45 percent of the territory under occupation, including all of southern Rafah as well as parts of northern and eastern Gaza.

Two Israeli sources told Reuters that Hamas is demanding a return to the lines held during the previous truce before the occupation army renewed its offensive in March.

Hamas has also accused Tel Aviv of “buying time” during Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington this week, and said his delegation in Doha has “no real authority to make decisions on key points of contention.”

Further disagreements relate to guarantees over humanitarian aid deliveries and a conclusion to the Israeli ethnic cleansing campaign. Palestinian sources said these obstacles may require more direct US involvement

Earlier this week, US special envoy Steve Witkoff cancelled his planned trip to Doha to join talks, claiming these “were not ripe.”

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According to Hebrew media, Israeli officials believe Witkoff’s arrival could signal a “breakthrough” as both sides hoped the US envoy would provide the “final push” needed to conclude the agreement.

Hamas and Israeli delegations have been in Qatar since 7 July, negotiating a framework that includes phased Israeli withdrawals, the release of captives, and a potential end to the war.

Hamas has held firm on its demand for a complete cessation of hostilities before any final exchange. Israeli officials, for their part, say the total siege of Gaza will continue until all captives are freed and Hamas is “dismantled.”

As ceasefire talks hit a new roadblock, clashes raged across the Gaza Strip on 12 July, with Israeli media reporting direct engagements between Palestinian resistance fighters and Israeli occupation forces.

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