Yossi Schwart ISL (RCIT section in Israel/Occupied Palestine), 25.05.2025
The newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat reported this morning that the talks in Doha, which have entered their seventh day, are moving into a new phase with signs of a partial agreement for a temporary ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. This is against the backdrop of an American claim that the US wants to end the war in the Gaza Strip. These talks are taking place in parallel with an Israeli decision, under American and European pressure, to allow aid to enter the Gaza Strip.
“Various sources involved in the matter told the Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that a real breakthrough may not be achieved as long as Israel continues its military escalation in Gaza. According to them, the continuation of this situation eliminates any chance of a ceasefire, even a minimal one, and threatens to thwart any agreement unless Washington intervenes in all seriousness and formulates a clear plan for the cessation of hostilities.
At the same time, the Axios website reported yesterday, citing an Israeli source and another source familiar with the details, that Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, Steve Whitkoff, presented a new proposal designed to give Hamas guarantees that a partial agreement now could pave the way for an end to the war in the future, while at the same time the United States is pressuring both sides to agree to it. According to the report, the proposal includes the release of 10 live hostages in exchange for a 45 to 60-day ceasefire and the release of Palestinian prisoners.
It was also claimed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to the proposal with a positive initial response, but set many conditions and reservations. On the other hand, Hamas has not yet given a final agreement, and it is demanding clear guarantees that the temporary lull can become permanent.
Palestinian political commentator Nizar Nazzal told Asharq Al-Awsat that there is momentum and maximum pressure on both sides, but that Netanyahu “is not interested in peace” and insists on continuing the military operation, controlling the Gaza Strip, disarming Hamas and bringing about its destruction. On the other hand, Hamas is demanding a full withdrawal and real guarantees. Therefore, the gaps between the sides are large and there is no real chance of a ceasefire. According to him, if the United States were serious about stopping the fighting, it would have happened immediately, but the American pressure was only aimed at the release of hostages, not at the end of the fighting.
According to Nazzal, the decision to bring in humanitarian aid is very weak – only 30 trucks, while the shortage is about 600, and the decision was made separately from the cease-fire talks, and therefore has no impact on the talks.
Senior Egyptian sources told Al-Qahira Al-Akhbariya TV on Sunday that “intensive contacts are underway by the Egyptian security delegation in Qatar, to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.” According to them, Cairo and Doha are investing great efforts in coordination with the American side to halt the escalation and enable the advancement of negotiations on a ceasefire and the introduction of aid.”
Israel out of Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, and Syria!
For one secular democratic state for the Israeli Jews and all the Palestinians, including the Palestinian refugees!