Negotiations regarding a potential ceasefire in Gaza and a hostage release agreement are expected to resume in Doha shortly, according to officials from the US, Israel, and Qatar. A spokesperson for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that an Israeli delegation is set to travel to Qatar on Sunday.
However, it remains uncertain whether Hamas will participate in these discussions. The US believes that the recent death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar—considered one of the group’s most hardline figures—could create a pathway to a possible agreement. Nonetheless, Hamas has accused Israel of being the primary obstacle to reaching any deal.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken addressed the media, stating, “With Sinwar gone, there is a real opportunity to bring [the hostages] home and to accomplish the objective.” Blinken elaborated on this objective, emphasizing the need for a deal that would enable Israel to withdraw, prevent Hamas from reconstituting, and allow the Palestinian people to rebuild their lives and futures.
