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Live Blog Update| Israel's genocide in Gaza

Exclusive: Gaza talks at risk after Israel refuses to withdraw from Rafah

Hamas negotiators are increasingly sceptical that a Gaza ceasefire agreement with Israel could be reached in the current round of talks in Doha, Middle East Eye has learned. 

Sources close to Palestinian negotiators said talks remain deadlocked over at least two of four key issues.

The first is the extent of the proposed Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip during the 60-day truce. The second is the method of aid distribution.

The United States has reportedly proposed postponing discussions on these two points and instead focusing on the names of Palestinian prisoners to be released by Israel in exchange for the remaining Israeli captives.

However, Palestinian negotiators believe this approach is a trap.

Read more: Exclusive: Gaza talks at risk after Israel refuses to withdraw from Rafah

A woman looks on as Palestinians inspect destroyed tents by Israeli forces at a makeshift displacement camp in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip on 11 July 2025 (AFP)
A woman looks on as Palestinians inspect destroyed tents by Israeli forces at a makeshift displacement camp in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip on 11 July 2025 (AFP)