Indirect Talks for Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Resume in Qatar

Indirect negotiations resumed in Doha this morning, marking the fourth meeting in the series. Discussions remain concentrated on the mechanisms for implementation, with particular emphasis on clauses concerning withdrawal and humanitarian aid, according to a Palestinian source familiar with the proceedings, who spoke to AFP on Tuesday.

“No breakthrough has been reached at this time, and discussions remain in progress,” stated another Palestinian official.

Earlier today, Majed Al-Ansari, the spokesperson for Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, indicated that negotiations aimed at establishing a truce in Gaza between Israel and Hamas necessitate additional time. He mentioned that the indirect discussions between the parties are concentrating on laying out a “framework” for an agreement.

Ansari, speaking at a news conference in Doha, stated that while a specific timeline remains uncertain, it is clear that additional time will be necessary to address the matter.

Currently, both delegations are stationed in Doha. Separate discussions are being held with each party to establish a framework for the talks. Although the discussions have yet to formally commence, efforts are underway to engage with both sides regarding the framework, he stated.

The latest development emerged just a day after Trump expressed optimism regarding the possibility of reaching a deal.

“There appears to be no delay,” Trump stated to reporters at the White House on Monday during a meeting with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, expressing confidence in the progress of current affairs.

Hamas has expressed a willingness to bring the conflict in Gaza to a halt and agree to a ceasefire, urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach a resolution and conclude the hostilities.

Israel and Hamas have initiated their newest series of negotiations in Qatar as of Sunday.

The discussions aligned with the preparations for Netanyahu’s third visit to the White House since Trump resumed office nearly six months prior.

Prior to his departure for Washington, Netanyahu underscored that Israeli negotiators have been tasked with obtaining a ceasefire agreement that aligns with Israel’s conditions.

A previously established ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which took effect on January 19, was violated when Israel recommenced its military operations on March 18, resulting in at least 400 casualties during overnight assaults.

Israel, with the support of the United States, has pulled out of talks concerning the next stage of the ceasefire agreement, which was designed to conclude hostilities and facilitate the release of remaining Israeli captives held in Gaza.

Hamas has declared that Israel has been unsuccessful in its attempts to undermine the resolve of Gaza.

On Tuesday, Hamas announced that the Israeli military has “failed completely” in its efforts to weaken Gaza’s resolve or suppress its resistance.

Hamas issued a statement following a resistance operation in the northern Gaza Strip, which resulted in the deaths of five Israeli forces and wounded 14 others. The operation targeted an Israeli infantry unit.