Hamas Chief Survives Israeli Doha Strike, Signals Gaza Talks Amid Tensions

Khalil al-Hayya, Hamas's senior negotiator and head of the group's delegation, made his first public appearance after surviving a failed Israeli airstrike in Doha that killed his son and several aides. In a pre-recorded televised statement, al-Hayya expressed defiance and framed the deaths as sacrifices fueling the Palestinian cause and the path to victory and Jerusalem, underscoring the ongoing suffering in Gaza amid the conflict. His reemergence highlights a significant intelligence failure for Israel and comes ahead of indirect peace talks in Egypt involving Hamas, Israel, and other mediators aiming to negotiate an end to hostilities and a prisoner exchange based on a 20-point peace plan proposed by President Donald Trump. While Hamas's political leadership shows some openness to the plan, internal divisions remain, especially regarding disarmament and hostage release conditions. Egyptian and Qatari mediation efforts continue as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has authorized his negotiating team to proceed to Egypt for talks, reflecting cautious optimism about possible progress. The conflict has led to massive casualties and devastation in Gaza, complicating diplomatic efforts despite international pressure and proposed ceasefire initiatives.