Arab Diplomats Point To Obstacles In Reaching Agreement Between Israel And Hamas

There are several things.

The main contradictions in the negotiations between Israel and Hamas are the demands of Hamas for the return of displaced persons to the north of the Gaza Strip and the humanitarian aid provision schemes. This was reported on March 21 by the Haaretz newspaper citing Arab diplomats.

According to diplomats, Israel opposes the return of refugees to the north of the Gaza Strip, even when it comes to women and children. The sources also said that Hamas requires the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to distribute humanitarian aid, while Israel opposes the participation of anybody associated with Hamas, including UNRWA.

According to diplomats, Hamas claims that only UNRWA can immediately facilitate the delivery and distribution of humanitarian aid.

Sources also report that the mediators are making efforts to reach an agreement on a mechanism for the distribution of humanitarian aid, which will be subordinate to the UN, but at the moment there are no agreements between the parties.