Ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas in Doha were paused on Friday, with negotiators agreeing to reconvene next week.
The talks are focused on reaching a comprehensive agreement to halt the fighting in Gaza and secure the release of the remaining hostages.
Reuters reports that the United States, Qatar, and Egypt announced in a joint statement that Washington had introduced a new proposal aimed at bridging recent points of agreement, potentially allowing for a rapid implementation of a deal. The mediators pledged to continue refining the proposal in the coming days. “The path is now set for saving lives, bringing relief to the people of Gaza, and de-escalating regional tensions,” they said.
An Israeli official confirmed that their delegation in Doha would return home later on Friday and that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday.
This latest round of talks, which resumed on Thursday, is part of ongoing efforts to end the conflict in Gaza that has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians.
Although Hamas was not directly involved in the talks, the Palestinian militant group was kept informed of the progress. A senior Hamas official, Izzat al-Rishq, accused Israel of failing to honor previous agreements, based on what mediators reported.
White House national security spokesperson John Kirby described the outcome from Doha as a “positive step forward” but emphasized that much work remains. Key issues in the negotiations include Israel’s demand for the destruction of Hamas as a precondition for peace, while Hamas insists on a permanent, not temporary, ceasefire.
Other challenges involve the sequencing of the deal, the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli hostages, control over the Gaza-Egypt border, and the movement of Palestinians within Gaza.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces intensified their bombardment of Gaza overnight, targeting areas previously designated as civilian safe zones, alleging that Hamas had used them to launch attacks.
The conflict, which began on October 7 when Hamas fighters launched an assault on Israel, has seen Israel’s military campaign reduce much of Gaza to ruins.
According to Palestinian health authorities, over 40,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed, while Israel claims to have eliminated 17,000 Hamas fighters.
In a statement on Thursday, Hamas politburo member Hossam Badran stated that Israel’s ongoing mili,.tary operations are hindering progress toward a ceasefire.
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