Doha Talks: Hamas Pressures Israel to Honor Ceasefire Amid Stalled Prisoner Deal
Hamas urges Israel to honor the ceasefire deal, while Netanyahu resists ending the war. Families of Israeli detainees demand a comprehensive agreement amid growing international pressure.
Watan-Hamas has stated that it is awaiting new steps from the Doha negotiations, which began on Tuesday evening, to advance the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and prisoner exchange. Meanwhile, families of Israeli detainees have called for a political commitment to end the war.
Doha Negotiations Continue Amid Stalemate
Talks in Doha, mediated by U.S. envoy Stephen Whitkoff, involve Israeli and Hamas representatives. On Monday, Israel reluctantly sent a delegation to Qatar after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu repeatedly delayed moving to the second phase of the agreement, which is intended to end the war and ensure Israel’s full withdrawal from Gaza.
According to Yedioth Ahronoth, Israeli and American sources have expressed cautious optimism, noting slight progress in the negotiations. U.S. officials are pushing for the release of more Israeli captives from Gaza while insisting they do not want a return to war.
Israeli broadcaster Kan reported that the Doha talks are ongoing, with no major disagreements, although gaps remain between the parties. Whitkoff has urged both Hamas and Israel to reach a deal that ensures the release of more Israeli detainees.
Hamas: Israel Is Using Aid as a Political Bargaining Chip
Hamas leader Abdul Rahman Shadeed emphasized the group’s responsible and constructive approach in the negotiations and expressed hope for progress toward initiating phase two of the ceasefire agreement.
However, he condemned Israel for using the opening of border crossings and the entry of humanitarian aid as leverage, calling it:
“A tool for political extortion and pressure.”
Hamas has urged mediators to pressure Netanyahu into honoring the commitments of the initial agreement.
Following the end of the first phase of the ceasefire, Israel closed all crossings into Gaza again, blocking humanitarian aid to use starvation as a tool to force Hamas into concessions.
Israeli Opposition and Security Concerns
Hamas spokesman Abdul Latif Al-Qanoua accused Israel of reneging on the ceasefire agreement, contradicting the international consensus and efforts by mediators to end the war.
Hamas insists it has shown flexibility throughout the negotiations and is committed to ensuring Israel abides by the terms of the deal.
Meanwhile, U.S. envoy Adam Boehler reportedly met senior Hamas officials in Doha last week—without Israel’s knowledge—to discuss a possible release of Israeli detainees, including five American citizens held in Gaza.
Israel’s Proposal: A Staggered Prisoner Release, No End to the War
Israeli broadcaster Kan reports that Israel is now willing to discuss a phased release of detainees, rather than a single exchange, as it refuses to commit to ending the war.
According to the report, Israel’s goal in Doha is to push for Whitkoff’s proposal, which includes:
- Extending the ceasefire for 60 days
- Releasing 10 Israeli captives on the first day
- Releasing the rest on the final day
Israeli media reported that Netanyahu held security consultations on Wednesday, attended by ministers and military leaders.
Channel 12 noted that Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar participated, despite being absent from the previous war cabinet meeting.
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized Netanyahu’s handling of the negotiations, stating:”The government is not doing everything possible to bring back the captives.”
Lapid further warned:”Ending the war comes with a political price that Netanyahu refuses to pay. Israel is losing twice: captives are not returning, while Hamas gets a free ceasefire.”
Former War Cabinet member Gadi Eisenkot also criticized Netanyahu, telling Army Radio:”Netanyahu wants the captives back without paying any price. He has deliberately sabotaged previous deals.”
Families of Israeli Detainees Demand a Comprehensive Agreement
Meanwhile, the families of Israeli detainees in Gaza have urged the Israeli delegation not to return without securing a deal for their immediate release.
The prisoners’ families association is also demanding a political commitment to ending the war and ensuring Israel’s full withdrawal from Gaza in exchange for the last captive’s return.
An Israeli Army Radio interview with a former detainee quoted her saying:”Hostages are not political tools. Their families have suffered enough.”
Palestinian Prisoners and Humanitarian Crisis
Israel estimates that 59 Israeli detainees remain in Gaza, with 24 confirmed alive. Meanwhile, over 9,500 Palestinians are imprisoned in Israel, where they endure torture, starvation, and medical neglect, leading to numerous deaths, according to Palestinian and Israeli human rights reports.
The first phase of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal between Hamas and Israel ended on March 1, 2025, after 42 days. The agreement was brokered by Qatar and Egypt with U.S. support.
However, Netanyahu has refused to implement phase two, aiming to secure more Israeli releases without fulfilling key obligations, particularly ending the war and fully withdrawing from Gaza.
Ongoing Israeli Atrocities in Gaza
Since October 7, 2023, Israel—with full U.S. backing—has waged a genocidal war in Gaza, resulting in:
- Over 160,000 Palestinian casualties (killed and wounded)
- A majority of victims being women and children
- More than 14,000 missing persons
The humanitarian catastrophe continues to worsen as Israel blocks aid and refuses to honor ceasefire agreements, increasing international pressure for an immediate resolution.
