Qatar Seeks Gaza Truce, Hostage Deal After Israel-Iran Ceasefire

Following the recent ceasefire between Israel and Iran brokered by the United States and Qatar, mediators are actively engaging with Israel and Hamas to leverage this momentum towards securing a truce and potential hostage release deal in Gaza. Qatar's foreign ministry spokesman, Majed al-Ansari, emphasized the importance of utilizing this 'window of opportunity' to restart Gaza talks, warning that failure would mean another lost chance amid ongoing conflict. Though there are no direct talks currently between the sides, Qatar, alongside mediators in Washington and Cairo, is heavily involved in separate discussions with all parties. US President Donald Trump expressed optimism that a Gaza ceasefire involving Israel and Hamas could be reached as early as next week, reflecting confidence in US pressure based on previous successes, including a January truce that facilitated hostage releases. This effort follows a complex backdrop of conflict escalation after the collapse of the prior two-month truce and recent Iranian missile strikes on a US base in Qatar, which triggered US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The situation remains volatile, with continued casualties in Gaza despite diplomatic efforts.