Gaza ceasefire talks resume for second day in Qatar | BBC News

Summary

Middle East ceasefire talks are set to resume in Doha following a constructive first day, with Israeli representatives present but Hamas absent, citing changing terms. Over 40,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in Gaza, a figure Israel disputes. Israeli hostages' families demand a deal for their release, marching in Tel Aviv. West Bank violence escalates with Jewish settlers attacking a Palestinian village, prompting international condemnation. Experts express cautious optimism for a ceasefire agreement, while the potential for retaliation from Iran and Hezbollah hangs in the balance, contingent on negotiation outcomes.

Takeaways

• 📅 Ceasefire talks in Gaza are set to resume in Kat after a 'constructive' first day, with Israeli representatives present but Hamas absent, citing changed terms by Israel.
• 🛑 Hamas officials demand a comprehensive ceasefire, complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the return of the Palestinian flag as conditions for any agreement.
• 🚨 The Hamas-run Health Ministry reports over 40,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza, a figure disputed by Israel.
• 👥 Families of Israeli hostages in Gaza demand a deal for their release, with thousands marching in Tel Aviv.
• 🗣️ A White House spokesman indicates a promising start to the talks, and Israeli media expresses guarded optimism about the negotiations.
• 🏠 Israeli political leaders, including Netanyahu, condemn violent actions by Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank, resulting in Palestinian casualties.
• 🔥 There has been an increase in attacks on Palestinian civilians by extremist settlers, with over 1,250 attacks reported by the UN since the start of the war in Gaza.
• 🏛️ The UN has documented forced displacements of Palestinians due to settler harassment, with unauthorized outposts being set up by settlers.
• 🌍 The White House and international community have condemned the violence against Palestinian civilians, highlighting a lack of Israeli prosecution in these cases.
• 🤝 Middle East expert Nomi Bakov expresses cautious optimism about the talks, suggesting a critical and pivotal moment with clear lines drawn for negotiation.
• ⚔️ Bakov notes that while Hamas is not directly attending the talks, their presence in Doha allows them to be part of the negotiation process indirectly.

Q & A

What is the current status of the ceasefire talks in Kat?

The ceasefire talks in Kat are set to resume after a constructive first day of discussions. Israeli representatives are attending, but Hamas, which runs Gaza, has stayed away, accusing Israel of changing its terms since previous rounds of talks.

What are the conditions Hamas has set for any agreement to be accepted?

Hamas has reiterated that any agreement must achieve a comprehensive ceasefire, a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the return of the Palestinian refugees.

What is the reported number of Palestinians killed in Gaza according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry?

The Hamas-run Health Ministry reported that the number of Palestinians killed in Gaza has passed 40,000, although Israel disputes this figure.

What was the reason for the families of Israeli hostages in Gaza to gather and march in Tel Aviv?

The families of Israeli hostages gathered to demand a deal to secure their release, following Hamas's attacks on October 7th.

What is the current sentiment regarding the talks from the Israeli media and the White House?

The Israeli media has expressed guarded optimism, considering it a positive sign that the Israeli delegation decided to stay overnight in Doha despite security risks. A White House spokesman also indicated that the talks had a promising start.

What incident occurred in the West Bank involving Jewish settlers and Palestinian civilians?

A large group of Jewish settlers went on a rampage in a village in the occupied West Bank, setting houses and cars on fire, resulting in at least one Palestinian killed and another seriously injured.

How has the international community responded to the violence in the West Bank?

The White House quickly condemned the violence against Palestinian civilians, stating it was unacceptable and must stop. The UN has also been monitoring attacks on Palestinian civilians by extremist settlers, documenting over 1,250 attacks since the start of the war in Gaza.

What is the current situation regarding Israeli settlements in Palestinian communities?

There have been incidents of settler harassment forcing Palestinian communities away from their homes, with settlers moving in and setting up unauthorized temporary outposts, which are seen as seeds of settlements.

What is Nomi Barkov's view on the progress of the talks in Doha?

Nomi Barkov, a Middle East expert, is cautiously optimistic about the talks, believing they are at a critical and pivotal moment with clear lines drawn, and hopes for an agreement on a framework.

How does Barkov assess the impact of Hamas not directly attending the talks in Doha?

Barkov does not believe it makes a significant difference as the Hamas leadership is based in Doha and is essentially part of the negotiation, receiving regular updates and feedback from the mediators.

What are the potential implications of the current negotiations for Iran and Hezbollah's plans for retaliation?

Barkov suggests that everything hinges on the outcome of the negotiations. If a framework agreement is reached, immediate retaliation from Iran and Hezbollah is less likely. However, if no agreement is reached, a serious and coordinated retaliation is expected.