Optimism for Gaza deal tempered by persisting gaps on Hamas demands, reports indicate

Hamas continues to insist on its three core demands in indirect talks with Israel in Qatar, according to Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, as reports indicate that the sides have yet to bridge the main sticking points holding up an agreement for a 60-day ceasefire and the release of hostages.

The demands are described by a Hamas source as “the freedom to bring in humanitarian aid, the full and gradual withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and ensuring a complete end to the war.”

The chances for reaching a deal depend “primarily on the Israeli occupation’s response to the demands of the Palestinian resistance,” the Hamas source tells the pan-Arabic daily, while expressing optimism for the success of the talks.

Reports indicate that Hamas is demanding that Israel allow the UN to lead aid deliveries, and that troops retreat from the Morag corridor, a belt of land cutting off Rafah from Khan Younis in southern Gaza.

A few more days are needed to reach a deal, Israeli officials involved in the talks tell the Kan public broadcaster. “Talks are not progressing,” says one official. “If the US doesn’t increase its pressure, we could reach a situation in which there is no deal this week.”

Another official tells the outlet that, despite the obstacles, he is optimistic that a deal can be reached.

Earlier today, the Qatari Al-Araby channel reported that the first round of negotiations in Doha ended without a significant breakthrough, and that the second round of talks would begin this afternoon.