International

Israel Sends Delegation to Qatar for Gaza Ceasefire Talks

Israel is sending a diplomatic team to Qatar to advance indirect negotiations with Hamas aimed at securing a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. This move follows intense international pressure and comes despite Israel rejecting recent changes proposed by Hamas to the draft agreement.

Delegation to Qatar

The Israeli delegation is scheduled to arrive in Doha on Sunday to take part in discussions mediated by Qatar, the United States, and Egypt. The proposed plan, backed by the U.S., calls for a phased truce lasting 60 days, beginning with the release of hostages and ending with negotiations over a long-term cessation of hostilities and troop withdrawal.

Rejection of Hamas Amendments

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issued a statement following Hamas’s latest response to the draft proposal:

“The changes that Hamas seeks to make to the Qatari proposal were conveyed to us last night and are not acceptable to Israel.”

Despite this, Israeli officials confirmed that the delegation would still participate in talks in Qatar, signaling a continued willingness to explore a possible path to an agreement under the framework already outlined.

Hamas’s Response

Hamas has publicly described its reply to the ceasefire proposal as made in a “positive spirit,” while continuing to insist on key humanitarian and political conditions. These include unimpeded aid access into Gaza, permanent reopening of the Rafah crossing, and a timetable for full Israeli military withdrawal.

Conflict Background

The current war, which erupted on October 7, 2023, after Hamas launched a surprise cross-border assault into southern Israel, has since claimed over 57,000 Palestinian lives and displaced hundreds of thousands. Israel’s ground invasion and air campaign followed a series of retaliatory measures to the attack, which left approximately 1,200 Israelis dead and over 250 taken hostage.

Tense Diplomatic Window

The high-stakes negotiations are unfolding just days before Netanyahu is expected to travel to Washington to meet U.S. President Donald Trump. The U.S. administration is keen to seal a deal that could stabilize the region and secure the release of remaining hostages. However, unresolved demands from both sides continue to cloud the path to a lasting agreement.

With the Qatar talks now underway, the coming days will be critical in determining whether diplomacy can succeed where military pressure has reached its limits.

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