Explainer | Why Gaza truce talks between Israel and Hamas are at an ‘impasse’

Hamas wants a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, which is unacceptable to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has vowed to ‘eliminate’ all Hamas battalions

A truce could also ‘shatter’ Netanyahu’s ruling Israeli coalition because of opposition from its far-right members to any concessions to Hamas

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An Israeli military tank rolls near the border with the Gaza Strip, as mediators try to come to a resolution for a truce in the conflict. Photo: AFP

Published: 8:00pm, 11 Apr 2024

They set themselves a 48-hour deadline earlier this week, but on Thursday neither Hamas nor Israel had shown any signs of agreeing to a truce in Gaza, despite pressure from international mediators.

The United States, Egypt and Qatar put together a framework for a deal that would include a halt in fighting for six weeks and the exchange of about 40 hostages for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

It would also see increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza and many displaced people returning to their homes.

Palestinians walk among the ruins following the withdrawal of Israeli troops in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, on Wednesday. Photo: Bloomberg

The proposals ultimately aim to secure the release of all 129 hostages believed to still be alive in Gaza, along with the eventual exit of all Israeli troops.

But now “negotiations are at an impasse”, said Hasni Abidi of the Geneva-based Centre for Studies and Research for the Arab and Mediterranean World.

However, no side has yet given up.

“Hamas is studying the offer … It has not responded yet,” said Hossam Badran, a Hamas spokesman in Doha

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