In a renewed effort to end the prolonged conflict in Gaza, Israel and Hamas have resumed indirect negotiations in Qatar, with mediation support from Egypt and Qatar, aiming to secure a ceasefire and hostage release deal. This development coincides with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled visit to Washington for a high-level meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently claimed a deal could be finalized within the week. Israeli officials indicated that negotiators had received clear directives aligned with previously agreed conditions, while Palestinian representatives noted that initial discussions held on Sunday ended without a breakthrough. Talks resumed Monday with a reportedly “positive” atmosphere, as humanitarian aid and phased troop withdrawals were among the agenda items discussed.
The revived diplomatic momentum follows last month’s 12-day Israeli aerial assault on Iran, a staunch backer of Hamas, which heightened urgency for a ceasefire. The proposed U.S.-backed plan includes a 60-day truce, during which hostages would be released in stages and Israeli forces would begin withdrawing from certain parts of Gaza. While Hamas continues to demand a full end to hostilities in exchange for the release of all hostages, Israel maintains it will only halt military operations upon the complete dismantling of Hamas. Domestically, Netanyahu is facing growing pressure from war-fatigued citizens, even as some of his hardline coalition partners remain opposed to any permanent ceasefire.
The conflict, now in its 21st month, was ignited on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Of the 50 hostages believed to remain in Gaza, only about 20 are thought to be alive. In retaliation, Israel has conducted a relentless military campaign that, according to Gaza’s health authorities, has resulted in over 57,000 Palestinian deaths, widespread displacement, and severe destruction across the territory. With international calls mounting for de-escalation and humanitarian relief, the current negotiations mark one of the most serious efforts yet to bring the war to a close through phased agreements and international guarantees.
