Negotiations between Hamas and the Israeli delegation continued on Thursday in the Qatari capital, even as the Gaza blockade entered its twelfth day.
Israeli authorities have blocked international aid, including food, fuel, and medicine, from reaching Gaza to pressure Hamas into accepting Israeli terms.
The talks, aimed at advancing the second phase of a peace deal brokered by Egypt and initiated by the United States, are ongoing in Doha.
Reports suggest that five Arab states have presented a reconstruction plan for Gaza to United States Special Envoy Steve Witkoff during discussions in Doha. If both parties agree, the next phase could witness the release of additional Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages held by Hamas.
However, Israeli negotiators are reportedly dissatisfied with the number of Palestinians released in earlier exchanges and are seeking to renegotiate the ratio of releases.
Also read: Israel objects, but US pushes ahead with Hamas negotiations
The US Special Envoy for Hostages, Adam Boehler, acknowledged Israel’s concerns but emphasised, “The US is not an agent state for Israel, and Washington has its own interests at stake in the region.”
Meanwhile, Hamas has welcomed former US President Donald Trump’s shift in stance on Gaza, following his retreat from earlier relocation policies.
The group has agreed to engage in direct talks with Washington, a move that experts believe could further advance peace negotiations in the coming days.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, at least 48,515 Palestinians have been killed and 111,941 wounded in Israel’s war on Gaza. Gaza’s Government Media Office has updated the death toll to more than 61,700, including thousands presumed dead beneath the rubble.
In Israel, at least 1,139 people were killed in the October 7, 2023, attacks, and over 200 were taken hostage.
Follow us
