In a significant development, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced on Sunday that an Israeli negotiation team is engaged in indirect talks with Hamas in Doha, Qatar’s capital. The discussions aim to secure the release of hostages and potentially bring an end to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The negotiation team is working diligently in Doha “to realize every chance for a deal,” which includes ending the fighting, releasing the remaining 58 hostages held in Gaza, expelling Hamas militants, and disarming the Gaza Strip, according to an official statement from Netanyahu’s office.
The resumption of indirect negotiations on Saturday marks a hopeful turn in the conflict. A source close to Hamas, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the talks are based on a proposal submitted by U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, which Hamas has significantly amended.
This diplomatic effort follows Israel’s recent announcement of escalating military operations in Gaza. On Friday night, Israel initiated a new military operation codenamed “Gideon’s Chariots,” aiming to expand the scope of fighting, secure the release of hostages, and dismantle Hamas.
Since the intensified offensive resumed on March 18, health authorities in Gaza report that 3,193 Palestinians have been killed and 8,993 injured. The total death toll in Gaza since the war began in October 2023 has reached 53,339, with 121,034 others injured.
Israeli estimates indicate that out of the 251 hostages taken by Hamas during its attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, 58 remain in Gaza. Of those, 20 are believed to be alive.
The international community watches closely as these talks could pave the way for a ceasefire and bring much-needed relief to the people affected by the prolonged conflict.
