Negotiations remain deadlocked as Hamas claims to have submitted a list of hostages to be released, a claim denied by Israel.
Efforts to end the Gaza conflict and secure the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas have stalled following reports from Palestinian officials of over 100 deaths caused by intensified Israeli airstrikes this weekend. A Hamas official announced that the group had presented a list of 34 prisoners for release as part of a potential ceasefire. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office refuted this, stating that no such list had been received. Later, the Hamas official shared the list with Reuters, reiterating the group’s readiness to negotiate.
Mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and U.S. officials, these talks aim to resolve the 15-month conflict before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20.
Israeli negotiators reconvened discussions in Doha on Friday, but significant disagreements persist.
“The occupation remains intransigent,” the Hamas official told Reuters, citing disagreements over a ceasefire and Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza.
The weekend saw a major escalation in the conflict, with intense airstrikes in Gaza. Palestinian health authorities reported 105 deaths, including numerous casualties from attacks on homes, police facilities, and refugee camps.
The Israeli military reported targeting over 100 sites, claiming to have killed numerous Hamas fighters and destroyed rocket launch infrastructure. They also announced the death of an Islamic Jihad militant involved in the initial cross-border attack.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a large-scale assault on Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the capture of around 250 hostages who were taken to Gaza.
Israel’s subsequent military operation in Gaza has caused widespread devastation and significant loss of life. Gaza’s health authorities have reported over 45,800 Palestinian deaths.
Netanyahu has repeatedly stated that the conflict will not end until Hamas’s complete elimination. The U.S. State Department has urged Israel to enhance civilian protection, while affirming Israel’s right to self-defense.