Between Washington and Doha: What You Need to Know About the Negotiations with Hamas

Ongoing Negotiations in Doha

Israel’s negotiations with Hamas have entered a critical phase, as a delegation from Israel has arrived in Doha, Qatar, to engage in talks aimed at establishing an agreement. The Israeli delegation, led by former Shin Bet Deputy Chief M. and currently directed by Gal Hirsch, the Coordinator for POWs and MIAs, has begun preliminary discussions with Hamas representatives. This follows the conclusion of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s preparations for his third meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump since his return to the White House.

Netanyahu emphasized the government’s commitment, stating, “We are determined to bring everystart back.” Despite optimistic assessments, significant differences between the two sides are anticipated, which may delay any final settlement through the upcoming week.

Key Discussion Points

Ceasefire Terms

The core of the discussions in Doha will revolve around a proposed Qatari framework which outlines several contentious issues:

1. Military Withdrawals: Israel insists on a withdrawal from southern Gaza to the Morag axis, which separates Rafah from Khan Yunis, maintaining control over southern Gaza including the Rafah crossing. In contrast, Hamas demands a more extensive military pullout and a reopening of the Rafah crossing.

1. Prisstartr Releases: Hamas is expected to propose the release of high-profile prisstartrs, including Marwan Barghouti, which Israel is likely to firmly oppose. Estimates suggest that about 1,000 prisstartrs may be released under the agreement.

1. Hostage Identification: Israel has submitted a list of 50 hostages for review but has yet to provide an updated list of living hostages and those deceased to be exchanged under the current negotiations.

1. Humanitarian Aid: Hamas is pushing for the removal of the American aid fund (GHF) from Gaza, insisting that humanitarian aid be delivered through UN agencies and the Red Crescent. Israel, likely with U.S. support, aims to retain the GHF operational.

Expectations for U.S.-Israel Meetings

Upon arriving in Washington, Netanyahu is poised to meet with several key American officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Steve Whitecoff. Their discussions will also focus on ending the war, disarming Gaza, and the status of Hamas leadership remaining within the territory.

Netanyahu’s visit highlights the importance of U.S.-Israeli relations; he has signaled his intent to express gratitude to Trump for his initiatives in the region, notably against Iran, which he perceives as a critical enemy.

Future Implications

The political maneuvering within the Israeli Cabinet remains tense, particularly as Netanyahu navigates the pressures from coalition partners who may oppose concessions in the negotiations. The likelihood of a significant breakthrough appears dampened by Hamas’s firm demands and Israel’s rigid stance on security measures.

As the dialogue unfolds, the international community’s eyes will be on both the negotiations in Doha and the discussions in Washington, which could shape the future of not only Israeli-Palestinian relations but also the broader geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.

Conclusion

While optimism pervades certain quarters regarding a possible agreement, the complexities and entrenched positions of both Israel and Hamas indicate that reaching a consensus will require extensive negotiations. Observers underscored the necessity for continued diplomatic engagement to navigate these challenging waters effectively