Israel obstructs Gaza ceasefire talks with proposed map to redeploy troops instead of withdrawal

CAIRO – 12 July 2025: Israeli proposals to redeploy troops in Gaza rather than to withdraw them during a potential ceasefire are stalling indirect talks with Hamas, two Palestinian sources with knowledge of the discussions told AFP on Saturday.

One of the sources said that the talks taking place in the Qatari capital, Doha, are facing “a setback and complex difficulties due to Israel's insistence, as of Friday, on presenting a map of withdrawal, which is actually a map of redeployment and repositioning of the Israeli army rather than a genuine withdrawal.”

Hamas has repeatedly demanded the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza as a precondition to agree to a captive release agreement.

Meanwhile, the sources stated that Israel is proposing a map that maintains military forces in over 40 percent of Gaza, which will force hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians into a specific area near Rafah city on Egypt’s border.

Israel and Hamas have been discussing a proposal for a 60-day ceasefire over the past week, which is set to include the release of 10 living captives among those taken by the Palestinian group from Israel on 7 October 2023.

“Hamas's delegation will not accept the Israeli maps,” the sources said, noting that such plans “legitimize the reoccupation of approximately half of the Gaza Strip and turn Gaza into isolated zones with no crossings or freedom of movement.”

One Palestinian source said Israel’s rejection of full withdrawal from Gaza stalls negotiations.

'Placing Obstacles'

Last week, Hamas accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of placing more obstacles that impede achieving a ceasefire after he told the families of captives that a deal for full captive release with Hamas is “not possible.”

In a Telegram post, Hamas stressed that it had previously offered the release of all captives at once in exchange for a permanent cessation of Gaza aggression, a complete withdrawal of the Israeli army, and unimpeded flow of aid.

“However, Netanyahu rejected this offer at the time and continues to evade and add more obstacles.”

'Hamas Weapons'

The withdrawal from the enclave is not the only obstacle. Israel also insists that Hamas must disarm in order for a permanent ceasefire to be achieved – a demand that the group has repeatedly rejected.

Netanyahu said in a video message that Hamas must “lay down its weapons” and abandon its “governing and military capabilities”.

“If this can be achieved through negotiations, great. If it cannot be achieved through negotiations within 60 days, we will achieve it through other means, by using force, the force of our heroic army,” he added.

Israeli forces continue to kill dozens of Palestinians in Gaza every day despite growing hope for a possible ceasefire soon. The enclave’s health ministry said on Saturday hospitals received 17 deceased and 53 injured people in 24 hours.

Since the start of the Gaza war, Israel has killed 57,882 Palestinians, including 7,311 since Israeli forces in March shattered a ceasefire brokered by mediators that led to the release of dozens of Israeli captives and allowed thousands of aid trucks to access the famine-stricken enclave.