Doha consultations on Gaza ceasefire end without agreement - media

Consultations aimed at securing a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, conducted in Doha with the participation of the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, have concluded without reaching an agreement. 

A senior representative from the Palestinian movement Hamas said that the talks did not achieve a breakthrough, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The negotiations, which started on August 15, faced significant obstacles, including Israel's refusal to withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor—a border area between Egypt and Gaza. Additionally, Israeli authorities have declined to release 65 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences.

A Hamas spokesperson indicated that the failure to address these issues means the current round of talks is unlikely to result in a ceasefire or the release of hostages. “The talks are approaching failure due to Israel's refusal to respond to proposals regarding outstanding issues,” the spokesperson said.

Previous rounds of negotiations, held in Doha on August 15-16, were described as positive in a joint statement by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. However, the subsequent talks in Cairo on August 25, led by Israeli Mossad chief David Barnea, failed to bridge the gaps. Hamas representatives left Cairo after meetings with Egyptian and Qatari mediators, reiterating their demands for Israel to meet conditions agreed upon on July 2.

Mediators' working groups continued discussions in Doha, but no resolution has been reached.