Truce in Gaza, Netanyahu dictates the terms: ‘60 days to negotiate, then we will use force’

Negotiations between Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire continue in Qatar. The EU announces an agreement with Israel to increase humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, 773 victims near distribution centres.

While indirect talks between Israel and Hamas for a possible truce in the Gaza Strip have been going on for five days in Doha, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has outlined Tel Aviv’s conditions for a temporary cessation of hostilities.

‘We are seeking the release of half of the living hostages and the bodies of the fallen in exchange for a temporary 60-day ceasefire,“ Netanyahu said in a video message. ‘During this period,” he added, ‘negotiations will begin for a permanent end to the war, but only if Hamas lays down its arms, renounces all governing capabilities and Gaza is completely demilitarised.

The prime minister also warned that if an agreement is not reached within the 60 days, Israel ‘will achieve its objectives through the use of military force.’

Meanwhile, negotiations continue in Qatar with the mediation of Egypt, Qatar and the United States. According to sources cited by the AFP news agency, mediators continue to shuttle between the delegations to seek a compromise on remaining differences.

At the same time, the European Union has announced an agreement with Israel to facilitate and expand the entry of humanitarian aid into the Strip. This was confirmed by a spokesperson for the European Commission, who stressed that the agreement is the result of dialogue between the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.

The agreement provides for a “substantial increase” in trucks carrying basic necessities, the opening of new crossings in both the north and south, the reactivation of aid routes via Jordan and Egypt, food distribution through bakeries and public canteens, the restoration of fuel supplies for humanitarian purposes and the repair of vital infrastructure, including water desalination.

On the ground, however, the situation remains dire: according to reports from the Gaza media office, at least 773 people have been killed near the distribution centres of the Gaza Humanitarian Fund, which has been operating since last May with the support of Israel. More than 5,100 people are reported to have been injured, while 41 are missing.

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(Photo: © AndKronos)