Israel Delegation Plans Qatar Talks with Hamas on Gaza Ceasefire

Israel is sending a delegation to Qatar to engage in indirect talks with Hamas aimed at securing a ceasefire and addressing the release of hostages, with mediation efforts involving Egypt and other parties working toward a proposed 60-day truce. Hamas's new leader in Gaza, Izz al-Din al-Haddad, has expressed a firm stance, indicating either an honorable deal or a continued war of liberation or martyrdom. The Palestinian group responded positively to a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal following President Donald Trump's announcement of Israel's agreement to the 60-day truce terms, though challenges remain over humanitarian aid access, the Rafah crossing, and troop withdrawal timelines. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has labeled recent Hamas ceasefire changes as unacceptable and continues to insist that Hamas must disarm, a point on which Hamas remains reluctant to negotiate, causing a stalemate. Despite Netanyahu’s public silence on the proposal, the diplomatic move has sparked cautious optimism for progress toward peace in the region. These developments underscore high-stakes diplomacy amidst ongoing conflict and humanitarian concerns in Gaza.