Doha, Qatar — Indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel have resumed in the Qatari capital, signaling a potential shift towards de-escalation in the Gaza Strip. Senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi confirmed on Saturday that talks are underway, facilitated by Qatari and U.S. mediators, aiming to establish a ceasefire and finalize a hostage exchange deal without preconditions.
A source close to Hamas revealed that the discussions are based on a proposal from U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, which Hamas has significantly amended. According to the source, U.S. guarantees in this round of talks appear “more serious,” with clear commitments to implementing the terms of any potential agreement.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz acknowledged the resumption of negotiations, stating that Hamas’s return to the table marks a departure from its previous refusal to engage. Katz attributed this change to Israel’s newly launched military operation, codenamed “Gideon’s Chariots,” which aims to intensify efforts in Gaza, secure the release of hostages, and dismantle Hamas’s infrastructure.
Ceasefire Proposal and Aid Deliveries
Reports from The Jerusalem Post on Sunday indicate that Hamas has offered to release half of the remaining living hostages and several bodies in exchange for a two-month ceasefire. In addition to the temporary halt in fighting, Hamas is calling for the immediate resumption of aid deliveries to Gaza.
Furthermore, Hamas is seeking strong American guarantees that negotiations to end the Gaza conflict will commence during the ceasefire period and that Israel will cease imposing conditions on aid distribution.
Escalation and Regional Responses
In recent weeks, the Israeli military has intensified operations in Gaza, conducting airstrikes and deploying additional ground forces. The heightened conflict has drawn international concern over the escalating humanitarian crisis.
At the 34th Arab League Summit on Saturday, leaders from the bloc’s 22 member states demanded an immediate halt to the war in Gaza and all hostilities exacerbating civilian suffering. They urged the international community, especially influential nations, to advocate for an end to the bloodshed and ensure unrestricted humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The Arab League’s final statement rejected any forced displacement of the Palestinian people, deeming it a violation of international law. It called on all countries to provide political, financial, and legal support for reconstruction and recovery efforts in the Gaza Strip. The leaders also welcomed Iraq’s proposal to establish a fund dedicated to Gaza’s reconstruction.
