The hopes of reaching a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip before the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan were shattered on Sunday, as Hamas reiterated its demands for a comprehensive truce that Israel has rejected.
Efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to broker a truce between Israel and Hamas before Ramadan were unsuccessful, despite optimism for a last-minute deal that would have included the release of hostages on both sides. Weeks of negotiations have hit a standstill, with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh stating that the group seeks an agreement that would end the war, ensure the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and address the humanitarian needs of Palestinians.
Haniyeh emphasized that Hamas is willing to show flexibility on the issue of exchanging prisoners for hostages if Israel commits to ending the war and allowing the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes. However, some Palestinians in Gaza have criticized Hamas for potentially holding up negotiations to secure the release of more prisoners.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated in an interview that a cease-fire was not imminent, citing the need for another hostage release as a condition for pausing the fighting. Israel has maintained that it must eliminate Hamas’s military capabilities in Gaza before agreeing to end the conflict.
Despite the setbacks, President Biden expressed hope that the United States could still play a role in brokering a cease-fire between the two sides as Ramadan approached. The ongoing tensions in Gaza have cast a shadow over the start of the holy month, which is traditionally a time of family gatherings and feasts for Muslims around the world.
