Heavy IDF bombing in northern Gaza as Israel, Hamas blame each other for stalled talk

An Israeli official said Saturday that Hamas has rejected a Qatari ceasefire and hostage release proposal and continues to hold firm to demands that are stalling negotiations, despite Israeli flexibility in the talks.

“Hamas rejected the Qatari proposal, refuses to compromise and remains obstinate, while Israel has shown willingness to be flexible in the negotiations,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing diplomatic efforts.

According to the Israeli official, Hamas is clinging to demands that prevent mediators from moving the process forward. “Had Hamas accepted the Qatari proposal, we could have reached an agreement and entered 60 days of negotiations to end the war in line with Israel’s objectives,” the official said.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces carried out heavy airstrikes in the northern Gaza town of Beit Hanoun on Friday evening, in what Palestinian sources described as a “fire belt” bombardment.

According to Al Jazeera, more than 40 strikes hit the area, which lies just across the border from the Israeli community of Nir Am. The explosions were visible from the nearby Israeli city of Sderot.

The Israel Defense Forces informed residents in the surrounding area that “explosions are being heard and will continue to be heard in the northern Gaza envelope,” referring to ongoing military operations in the Gaza Strip.

Despite the deadlock, Israeli and Hamas delegations remain in Qatar. A source close to Hamas said progress hinges on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to move forward with a deal based on prior understandings. Netanyahu is expected to convene a meeting Sunday evening to decide whether to present Hamas with a new proposal regarding the positioning of Israeli forces inside Gaza.

Negotiators say Hamas is refusing to abandon its demand for a full Israeli withdrawal from the Morag Corridor and strongly opposes any plans to expand Israel’s buffer zone in Gaza or to isolate Rafah from the rest of the coastal territory. Israel has proposed creating a “humanitarian city” in Rafah where displaced Palestinians would receive services.