Israel Plans New Gaza Withdrawal Maps Amidst Hamas Ceasefire Rejection

Israel is preparing to present new maps outlining an expanded withdrawal from parts of the Gaza Strip in ongoing ceasefire talks with Hamas in Doha, following Hamas's rejection of a previous U.S.-backed Qatari proposal. The main contention remains the extent of Israeli redeployment, particularly control over strategic areas like the Morag Corridor and Rafah, with Israel seeking to retain key zones while Hamas demands near-total withdrawal to pre-March 2025 lines. Despite Israel's willingness to show flexibility and address issues such as humanitarian aid delivery and phased troop withdrawals, Hamas continues to reject proposals, leading to a deadlock in negotiations. Israeli officials accuse Hamas of sabotaging talks through refusal to compromise and psychological warfare aimed at misleading both Gazans and Israelis. The stalled negotiations pose risks to a potential ceasefire, hostage releases, and humanitarian relief, with families of hostages warning that continued delays benefit Hamas and endanger captives. Talks mediated by Egypt and Qatar continue amid concerns that failure to reach an agreement could prolong the conflict.