Israel-Hamas Will Continue The Negotiations on Gaza

Author: Luthfie Febrianto
January 4, 2025

People check the damage inside a school used as a temporary shelter for displaced Palestinians in Gaza City, following an Israeli attack. (AFP/ Omar al-Qattaa)

SEAToday.com, Jakarta - Negotiations regarding the release of hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza are reported to continue on Friday (3/1/2025) local time.

As reported by CNN, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a meeting to discuss the "mandate to the delegation" that will be sent to the negotiations. Reportedly the Israeli delegation will consist of professionals from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), and members of the Israeli intelligence Mossad.

The continuation of the negotiations was also confirmed by Hamas. They are said to be "serious" about reaching an agreement. Hamas "affirms, as at all times, its seriousness, positive attitude, and efforts to reach an agreement at the earliest opportunity that achieves the aspirations and goals of our steadfast and patient people," Hamas said in a statement.

Hamas added that the negotiations would "focus on an agreement leading to a ceasefire, the withdrawal of the occupation forces from Gaza and the details of its implementation, and the return of refugees to their homes that have displaced them throughout the Gaza Strip,"

Qatar itself has not issued a statement regarding the continuation of the negotiations.

Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas have actually continued despite the official negotiations being deadlocked for several months. One of the reasons is the disagreement between the two parties on one of the four points in the proposal submitted by former US President Joe Biden.

The point of contention is the presence of Israeli troops in an area called the Philadelphia corridor. Israel insists on keeping their troops there, while Hamas does not.