Senior officials from Israel, Egypt, Qatar, and the United States convened in Rome on Sunday to continue negotiations aimed at achieving a ceasefire in Gaza, as tensions escalated along the Israel-Lebanon border. However, talks remain deadlocked due to several critical issues, including the extent of an Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza.

The discussions in Rome centered around a truce proposal that would involve the exchange of Israeli hostages held by Hamas for hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Qatar, hosting a portion of the Hamas leadership, and Egypt played significant roles as mediators between the two sides.

Although progress has been made in recent weeks, multiple officials involved in or briefed on the negotiations disclosed that the talks have reached a stalemate over several key points. One crucial disagreement revolves around the presence of Israeli forces in Gaza during the ceasefire. Israel wants to maintain military checkpoints along a strategic highway to prevent the transportation of weapons by Hamas fighters towards Gaza City. Meanwhile, Hamas seeks a permanent truce, while Israel wants the option to resume fighting if necessary.

Additionally, Israel has been reluctant to guarantee the withdrawal of its troops from the Gaza-Egypt border during a ceasefire, citing concerns that Hamas could exploit the absence of Israeli forces to smuggle arms across the frontier. Israeli negotiators have discussed the possibility of leaving the border area if electronic sensors to detect tunnel digging could be installed, along with underground barriers to impede tunnel construction. However, no agreement has been reached on this matter.

The disagreement over these crucial issues, including troop withdrawal and the length of the truce, has impeded progress in the negotiations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's hardline stance, driven by pressure from members of his right-wing government, has also hampered the talks. Some members of his coalition government oppose any deal that allows Hamas to emerge from the conflict unscathed, threatening to destabilize the government if their demands are not met.

The talks in Rome not only addressed the Gaza conflict but were also prompted by the rocket attack from Lebanon on an Israeli-controlled town, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 people, primarily children. Israel retaliated by launching strikes across Lebanon. Mediators had hoped that a Gaza ceasefire agreement could help ease tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border, but the risk of escalation remains high.

As negotiations continue, the situation in Gaza worsens. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been forced under Israeli orders to evacuate several neighborhoods in southern Gaza, including Khan Younis. These displacements have posed significant challenges for aid organizations trying to assist the affected population. Despite efforts to establish distribution points for food and provide essential services, the Israeli evacuation orders have disrupted their operations, leaving many vulnerable individuals stranded and facing dire conditions.

Although the negotiators have yet to reach a breakthrough, the talks are set to resume in the coming days. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the urgent need for a viable ceasefire to prevent further loss of life and alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.