According to Qatar, Israel and Hamas are not close to a deal to halt the fighting in Gaza and free captives, warning that the situation remained “very complicated.”
Despite weeks of talks involving U.S, Qatari and Egyptian mediators, the Muslim holy month of Ramadan began on Monday without the start of a truce and an exchange of people held that they had aimed for.
In a media briefing, Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Majed al-Ansari said, “We are not near a deal, meaning that we are not seeing both sides converging on language that can resolve the current disagreement over the implementation of a deal.”
He added that all parties were “continuing to work in the negotiations to reach a deal hopefully within the confines of Ramadan.”
“Regarding the talk about pressure on Hamas, as a mediator, Qatar has been exchanging views between both sides. We are certainly using everything in our capabilities to push both sides to an agreement.”
“Our goal as a trusted mediator in this instance doesn’t include that language [applying pressure on Hamas], which I don’t agree [with].
Majed al-Ansari
“I think we are positively and constructively engaging with both sides, and we are hopeful that we will find a resolution,” he asserted.
Meanwhile, a U.S intelligence report says a captive release deal is the most practical way to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza.
However, the report raised doubts as to whether Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu can stay in power or achieve his aim of destroying Hamas.
Per the report, “Distrust of Netanyahu’s ability to rule has deepened and broadened across the public from its already high levels before the war. A different, more moderate government is a possibility.”
“Israel will probably face lingering armed resistance from Hamas for years to come, and the military will struggle to neutralise Hamas’s underground infrastructure, which allows insurgents to hide, regain strength and surprise Israeli forces,” it added.
In his Ramadan message, U.S Secretary of state, Antony Blinken called for an immediate and sustained ceasefire in Gaza.
“The humanitarian situation in Gaza is heartbreaking. As we deliver additional aid to Gaza, we will continue to work non-stop to establish an immediate and sustained ceasefire for at least six weeks as part of a deal that releases hostages.”
Amtony Blinken
Biden Urged To Condition Weapon Sales To Israel
Also on Tuesday, U.S Senators urged U.S President, Joe Biden to condition weapons sales to Israel.
In a letter to the U.S President, independent Senator Bernie Sanders and seven Democrats stated that by continuing to arm Israel, Biden is violating the Foreign Assistance Act, which bars military support from going to any nation that restricts the delivery of humanitarian aid.
“We urge you to make it clear to the Netanyahu government that failure to immediately and dramatically expand humanitarian access and facilitate safe aid deliveries throughout Gaza will lead to serious consequences, as specified under existing US law,” the Senators noted.
Separately, several NGOs in Denmark disclosed that they are suing the country’s national police and foreign ministry to stop arms exports to Israel.
Oxfam Denmark, Amnesty International Denmark, Mellemfolkeligt Samvirke (Action Aid Denmark) and the Palestinian human rights organisation Al-Haq are involved in the court action, according to a press release.
“There is a clear risk that weapons and military equipment that Denmark directly and indirectly exports to Israel will be used to commit serious crimes against civilians in Gaza,” their statement said.
It added, “In doing so, Denmark violates international rules on arms trade and risks becoming complicit in violations of international humanitarian law – including war crimes – and a plausible genocide.”
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