Indirect negotiations in Doha collapsed Sunday after Hamas mediators cited Israel’s delegation as lacking authority to finalize terms. Palestinian sources revealed the Israeli team had "no real powers" to guarantee key conditions, including a permanent ceasefire and full troop withdrawal from Gaza. Talks will resume Monday, though hopes dimmed after Hamas condemned Israel’s "unacceptable" amendments to a U.S. backed 60-day truce framework.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departed for talks with President Trump, insisting Israeli negotiators had "clear instructions" to secure a deal. The meeting aims to salvage the proposed truce, which includes phased hostage releases and Palestinian prisoner exchanges. Analysts note Netanyahu faces dual pressures: Trump’s demand for a pre-election deal and threats from far-right coalition partners to collapse his government if Hamas survives militarily.
Thousands rallied near Israel’s Defense Ministry, waving flags and holding posters of hostages. Chants of "Bring Them Home Now!" underscored public fatigue with the 21-month war. Of 251 hostages taken by Hamas in October 2023, only 27 are confirmed alive. Families criticized Netanyahu’s delay tactics, accusing him of prioritizing political survival over their loved ones.
As diplomacy falters, Gaza’s Health Ministry reports 57,500+ Palestinians killed, over 15,600 children with 10,000 more bodies trapped under rubble. Israel’s siege has triggered famine, displacing 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million people. Recent strikes on aid distribution points killed 45 Palestinians Saturday alone, exacerbating what UN experts call a "deliberate starvation campaign".