Egypt, Qatar demand “improved” Hamas response as Gaza truce talks reach crucial stage

Representatives from Egypt and Qatar, the principal mediators in the indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel, have urged the Palestinian group to submit a more constructive and refined response to recent proposals aimed at resolving the ongoing crisis in the Gaza Strip.

Sources close to the Doha talks report that Hamas provided a reply to the latest truce initiative—addressing a ceasefire and the release of some hostages—but the response was deemed insufficient by Egyptian and Qatari envoys, who called for significant revisions to enable meaningful progress in the negotiations, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The mediators have insisted that Hamas improve its response and present a new version by today, with the aim of resuming productive dialogue with the Israeli side. The initial reply from Hamas mainly focused on humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza, proposed maps for Israeli troop withdrawal, and assurances of a ceasefire. However, these proposals were considered inadequate in their current form, leading to calls for a more comprehensive and actionable response.

Meanwhile, tensions remain high as Israel continues to criticize Hamas for rejecting what it describes as reasonable terms for the release of hostages. Israeli government spokesman David Mencer told a briefing that Hamas “continues to persist in its refusal and puts forward unacceptable conditions.”

“According to the latest information, Israel is still waiting for an official response through mediators from Hamas. But at this point, I can report that Hamas continues to refuse the hostage release offer that Israel has already agreed to,” Mencer added, underscoring the growing impasse.

By Vafa Guliyeva