Hamas stalling ceasefire talks by delaying response: Hebrew media
Citing sources familiar with the discussions, the report accuses Hamas of "dragging its feet, creating difficulties, and preventing a breakthrough." The group is allegedly trying to maximize the terms of the deal, leading to a lack of progress.
An 'Israeli' source quoted in the report stated, "The talks are going badly. We are in the same situation; it is not progressing." The source claimed that as a result of Hamas' delay, 'Israeli' officials now doubt that a breakthrough can be achieved this week.
One notable sign of the deadlock, according to the report, is the absence of US envoy Steve Witkoff from the talks in Doha. Witkoff is expected to arrive in the Qatari capital only when the negotiations near a conclusion.
'Israel' is also considering sending Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer to join the US envoy in Doha, an indication of the importance of the talks and Qatar's central role as mediator. Dermer, known for his critical stance on Qatar, would signal a shift in 'Israeli' posture if he joins the discussions.
Meanwhile, US officials are reportedly growing impatient with Hamas, frustrated by the lack of progress. However, the report notes that should Hamas respond positively to the proposal, pressure may shift toward 'Israel' to show more flexibility.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Roya News
10 hours ago
- Roya News
France, UK, Germany call for "immediate end" to war in Gaza
France, the United Kingdom, and Germany issued a joint call Friday for an 'immediate end to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza,' demanding unrestricted aid access and a ceasefire, as civilian suffering under the ongoing "Israeli" blockade and bombardment intensifies. The statement followed a call between French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. It urged "Israel" to allow essential humanitarian assistance into Gaza and condemned the ongoing deprivation of aid to the civilian population as 'unacceptable.' The leaders expressed readiness to 'take further action to support an immediate ceasefire and a political process that leads to lasting security and peace for "Israelis", Palestinians, and the entire region,' though they did not specify what actions might follow. The announcement came just a day after Macron said France would formally recognize the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September, making it the first major Western power to do so. His move has exposed growing divisions within the European trio, commonly known as the E3, over how to address the humanitarian disaster. While all three countries support a two-state solution in principle, both the UK and Germany have stopped short of following France's lead. Germany reiterated it has no immediate plans to recognize a Palestinian state, while Prime Minister Starmer faces growing domestic pressure to do so. Earlier this week, UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting warned recognition should happen 'while there's still a state of Palestine left to recognize.' By Friday, 221 of the 650 members of the British House of Commons had signed a letter urging Starmer to recognize Palestinian statehood. 'Since 1980, we have backed a two-state solution. Such a recognition would give that position substance,' the letter stated. Following the E3 call, Starmer condemned 'the continued captivity of hostages, the starvation and denial of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people, the increasing violence from extremist settler groups, and Israel's disproportionate military escalation in Gaza.' He emphasized that recognizing a Palestinian state should be part of a broader pathway toward lasting peace. More than 140 countries around the world currently recognize a Palestinian state, including several in Europe. France is now set to become the first G7 member to formally take that step. "Israel" and the United States have both condemned France's decision.
Roya News
12 hours ago
- Roya News
Hungary bans Irish rap group Kneecap over pro-Palestinian stance
Hungarian authorities have blocked the Irish rap group Kneecap from entering the country to perform at the Sziget Festival, accusing the Belfast-based trio of using antisemitic hate speech and publicly praising the Palestinian group Hamas, a government spokesperson announced on Thursday. Zoltán Kovács, spokesperson for the Hungarian government, confirmed the decision in a post on X. He stated, "The Government of Hungary moved to prevent the Kneecap band from entering the country and performing in Sziget... citing antisemitic hate speech and public praise for Hamas and Hezbollah." Kneecap, known for their Irish-language hip-hop and politically charged lyrics, has consistently expressed pro-Palestinian views during their performances. In recent months, the group has generated controversy at various venues. During their appearance at the Glastonbury Festival in the United Kingdom, for instance, band member Mo Chara reportedly accused "Israel" of committing war crimes. The ban comes as the Sziget Festival, one of Europe's largest music festivals, is underway in Budapest. Festival organizers have not yet released a statement regarding the Hungarian government's decision. Kneecap's representatives have not yet publicly responded to the Hungarian government's specific accusations regarding antisemitism or praise for Hamas and Hezbollah. However, the group has previously defended their pro-Palestinian stance as an act of solidarity, often drawing parallels between the Palestinian experience and Irish history.
Roya News
12 hours ago
- Roya News
Qatar, Egypt say Gaza truce talks paused for consultations, negotiations to resume
Qatar and Egypt confirmed Friday that the current pause in ceasefire negotiations over Gaza is a natural step meant for internal consultations, emphasizing that talks will resume in due course. In a joint statement released by the Qatari Foreign Ministry, both countries, alongside the United States, reiterated their commitment to achieving a comprehensive ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. 'Qatar and Egypt continue their intensive mediation efforts to reach an agreement that ends the war in Gaza,' the statement read, stressing that any deal must ensure the protection of civilians and include a framework for the exchange of captives and detainees. The ministry noted 'some progress' had been made during the latest round of intense negotiations, which lasted three weeks. It added that suspending talks for consultation is a routine part of what it described as a 'complex negotiation process.' Qatar and Egypt also urged all parties and the international media not to be swayed by leaks that could undermine the mediation process, and called on global outlets to focus on the unprecedented suffering of civilians in Gaza rather than casting doubt on diplomatic efforts.
