Hamas and Israel Trade Blame as Gaza Truce Talks Stall

Hopes for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal dimmed as Hamas and Israel accused each other of blocking progress in indirect talks mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States in Doha.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog urged leaders to push for an agreement, warning that hostages are in «clear and immediate danger.» Hamas said Israel introduced new conditions on troop withdrawal, ceasefire terms, prisoner releases and the return of displaced Gazans. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office called the claim «lies,» saying Hamas is adding new obstacles.

Fighting continued on Wednesday. Gaza’s civil defence reported at least 20 people killed in Israeli strikes, including a hit on tents for displaced families in Gaza City. Israel said it targeted a militant in the area. Netanyahu reiterated he will not end the war before removing Hamas, and Defence Minister Israel Katz said security in Gaza would remain under the IDF.

The sides have managed only one truce since the war began: a one-week pause in late 2023 that freed 80 Israeli hostages in exchange for 240 Palestinian detainees, with 25 other captives also released. According to Gaza’s health ministry, at least 45,361 people have been killed in the enclave; Israel says 1,208 people were killed in the October 7 attack, and 251 hostages were taken, 96 of whom remain in Gaza, including 34 declared dead.