Smoke over Gaza, Talks in Doha: Israel Escalates, Hamas Yields Ground
As the “Chariots of Gideon” operation intensifies, Hamas returns to the negotiation table. Trump’s visit looms. Abbas issues a rare demand: disarm.
Smoke over Gaza, Talks in Doha: Israel Escalates, Hamas Yields Ground
A dense column of smoke rising over Gaza marked the start of a new Israeli ground operation as Hamas officials landed in Doha. For the first time in weeks, both sides returned to the negotiation table—without preconditions. The battlefield and diplomacy are now running on parallel tracks.
Gideon’s Chariots roll into Deir al-Balah
The Israeli military launched what it called a “decisive phase” of the Gaza campaign on Friday night. Code-named Chariots of Gideon, the operation targets strategic areas in the central and northern Strip, including Jabalia, Beit Lahia and—crucially—Deir al-Balah, an area not previously penetrated by IDF ground troops. Israeli officials confirmed that the goal is twofold: recover hostages and dismantle Hamas’ command structures. The timing, not coincidentally, aligns with the upcoming visit of U.S. President Donald Trump to the region. Netanyahu’s government had previously warned that negotiations must progress before the presidential visit ends—or face a full-scale escalation.
Doha: talk or tactic?
After the release of American-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander—brokered by Washington outside the Israeli loop—Hamas appears to have shifted posture. “We are discussing all issues with no preconditions,” said spokesman Taher al-Nono, signaling an opening not seen in previous rounds.
Sources close to the talks suggest that a two-month ceasefire is on the table, involving a staged hostage exchange: 10 live Israeli captives for 200-250 Palestinian prisoners. Hamas would also provide a status list of all hostages within ten days.
Israel supports what is known as the “Witkoff framework”—a U.S.-backed proposal for a 40-day truce in exchange for roughly half of the remaining hostages. But Hamas continues to reject partial deals, demanding a total end to the war.
Abbas breaks the silence
In a rare political maneuver, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas publicly called on Hamas to surrender power in Gaza and hand over its weapons. Speaking from the Arab League summit in Baghdad, Abbas condemned the “genocidal project” facing the Palestinian people but placed responsibility squarely on Hamas for enabling the conflict.
Since 2007, when Hamas seized Gaza from the PA in a brief civil war, reconciliation efforts have consistently failed. Abbas’s call marks a calculated pivot—backed by Egypt, Jordan, and others in the Arab world who now view Hamas as more liability than asset.
Geopolitics of isolation
Hamas is increasingly cornered. The Abraham Accords continue to shift regional alliances toward Israel. Iran remains its primary backer, but after Israeli airstrikes in April, Tehran appears cautious. Qatar, while hosting the talks, is wary of being seen as Hamas’ patron.
There is talk in diplomatic circles of a post-Hamas Gaza managed by international or Arab forces—but such a plan lacks teeth without a UN mandate and credible Palestinian cooperation.
Inside Israel, families of hostages are protesting, demanding action. Netanyahu faces mounting pressure—not just to bring them home, but to define an endgame. Is military occupation the solution? Or is there a plan beyond the battlefield?
Meanwhile, the humanitarian toll in Gaza continues to spiral. Palestinian health officials report over 53,000 killed or presumed dead, though the numbers are unverifiable and do not distinguish between civilians and militants. Israel maintains that it targets combatants and accuses Hamas of using human shields embedded in homes, hospitals and schools.
Between war and ceasefire, a fragile window
The coming ten days in Doha may shape the next decade of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. If Hamas accepts the Witkoff framework, a temporary peace is possible. If not, the “Gideon” campaign is set to expand.
The smoke over Gaza may fade, but the political haze is far from clearing.
Article also available in Italian.