Doha: Israel is expected to present a new withdrawal map during ceasefire negotiations in Qatar. The talks, which had stalled due to Tel Aviv's insistence on maintaining control over a large area along the Gaza Strip, may see renewed momentum with this development.
According to Anadolu Agency, Israel's Channel 12 reported that mediators are anticipating the submission of the new map by Israel. The previous proposal from Israel sought to maintain occupation zones as wide as 3 kilometers, compared to Hamas's agreement to a buffer zone of 0.7 to 1 kilometers, leading to a stalemate in negotiations. The new map is expected to address these disparities in an effort to bridge the gaps between the two sides.
The Haaretz newspaper, citing an Arab diplomatic source, indicated that despite the disagreements, mediating countries are persisting in their efforts. The source highlighted attempts to balance the positions of Hamas, which rejected the prior Israeli map, and the Israeli government's hawkish wing, which has resisted a more pragmatic compromise. Additionally, the US has expressed dissatisfaction with Israel's proposal, conveying its concerns to Qatari and Egyptian mediators.
Meanwhile, Israel's state broadcaster KAN reported potential political repercussions within Israel. Sources close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggest that far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir may resign if a ceasefire deal is signed. Netanyahu is reportedly planning to meet with far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to address opposition within his Cabinet to any potential agreement.
According to The Times of Israel, Israel's rejected proposals aimed to maintain control over approximately one-third of Gaza's territory, including areas like Rafah in the south. There, Israel allegedly planned to establish a 'humanitarian aid city' intended as a holding site for Palestinians to be deported to third countries.
Ceasefire talks in Doha center on a temporary 60-day ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages, and discussions on a permanent truce. While progress has been made on several issues, Israel's insistence on maintaining a presence around Gaza's perimeter remains a significant obstacle. Despite any ceasefire, Israel plans to maintain a presence in Rafah and establish a 'collection camp' as part of its efforts to deport Palestinians.
The conflict has resulted in significant casualties. At least 998 Palestinians have been killed, and over 7,000 injured in the occupied West Bank since the war's onset in October 2023, as reported by the Palestinian Health Ministry. In Gaza, nearly 58,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, have been killed.
The International Court of Justice declared Israel's occupation of Palestinian land illegal last July, demanding the evacuation of all settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Additionally, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the enclave.