Indirect negotiations in Doha for a 60-day Gaza ceasefire have hit a roadblock over how far Israeli troops must withdraw, according to Palestinian and Israeli sources familiar with the discussions.
Hamas has rejected Israeli maps that would leave about 40 percent of the enclave—including all of Rafah and pockets in the north and east—under Israeli control, a Palestinian negotiator told Reuters. Two Israeli officials said Hamas insists on a return to positions held during the previous truce that collapsed in March.
Aid guarantees and a firm commitment to end the war are also unresolved, the Palestinian source added, calling for stronger U.S. mediation. White House envoy Steve Witkoff is expected in Doha this week to bolster the talks.
The framework on the table pairs a phased release of hostages with staged Israeli withdrawals and eventual negotiations on a permanent end to the conflict. Israel says it will halt fighting only once all captives are freed and Hamas is dismantled; Hamas wants a full ceasefire before releasing the remaining hostages.
The war began on Oct. 7 2023, when Hamas-led gunmen killed roughly 1,200 people in Israel and abducted 251 others. Gaza health officials say Israel’s response has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians and displaced nearly the enclave’s entire population.