Israel-Hamas Talks Deadlocked as Trump Envoy Turns to Ukraine

Negotiations between Israel and Hamas to extend the cease-fire in Gaza were at a standstill on Thursday as the Trump administration shifted its focus to talks with Russian officials in Moscow regarding the Ukraine war.

Steve Witkoff, the Middle East envoy for Mr. Trump, was expected to leave the Gaza talks in Qatar for Russia on Thursday. Mr. Trump has tasked Mr. Witkoff with addressing two of the world’s most challenging conflicts – the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.

The latest round of negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Doha this week have not made much progress, as per an Israeli official familiar with the talks. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, mentioned that there are disagreements over the next steps in the deal.

In mid-January, both parties agreed to a phased truce to end Israel’s military actions against Hamas in Gaza and release hostages held by Palestinian militants. The truce started with a six-week pause in fighting, during which Hamas released over 30 hostages in exchange for more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

During the initial phase of the truce, Israel and Hamas were supposed to negotiate the second phase, which included ending the war, complete Israeli forces withdrawal from Gaza, and releasing all remaining hostages. However, significant differences remain on how to proceed, with Israel pushing for Gaza demilitarization while Hamas refuses to disband its armed groups.

The first phase elapsed in early March without an agreement on the next steps, although the truce has held so far without any major incidents.

Critics in Israel accuse Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of delaying an agreement to maintain his hold on power. His far-right allies are advocating for continued conflict with Hamas, despite concerns for the remaining hostages’ safety.

There are still up to 24 living hostages and the remains of over 30 others held in Gaza, according to the Israeli government. Hamas captured around 250 individuals in an attack in October 2023, leading to a devastating 15-month war in Gaza.

Recently, Israel restricted humanitarian aid entering Gaza, blocking essential supplies and cutting off electricity to a wastewater treatment facility. This has raised concerns about a potential humanitarian crisis in the region.

Qatar, Egypt, and the United States have been mediating the truce and criticized Israel’s aid restrictions as a breach of the ceasefire agreement.

Last week, Adam Boehler, Mr. Trump’s special envoy on hostages, met with Hamas leaders in Qatar to negotiate the release of hostages and bodies. However, these talks did not result in an agreement, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling the attempt unsuccessful.