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Negotiations aimed at achieving a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas were paused in Doha on Friday, with plans for talks to resume next week. Despite some progress, significant differences remain unresolved, particularly regarding the release of hostages and the cessation of hostilities.
The discussions, mediated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, come after months of intense conflict that has left Gaza in ruins and killed tens of thousands of Palestinians. According to Palestinian health authorities, more than 40,000 people have died since the conflict began on October 7. Meanwhile, Israel reports eliminating 17,000 Hamas fighters. The war started after Hamas fighters launched a deadly incursion into Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking approximately 250 hostages.
U.S. President Joe Biden expressed optimism, stating that negotiators are “much, much closer” to a deal, he also acknowledged that they are “not there yet.” Hamas, although not directly participating in the Doha talks, has been kept informed. However, senior Hamas officials have voiced concerns, accusing Israel of reneging on prior agreements.
Central sticking points include the sequencing of prisoner exchanges, the permanent cessation of violence, and control over the Gaza-Egypt border. Israel has continued its military operations during the negotiations, issuing new evacuation orders for Gaza residents and targeting areas it claims Hamas is using to launch attacks. As a result, hundreds of families have fled, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis in the region.
U.S. officials, including CIA Director Bill Burns and Middle East envoy Brett McGurk, have been deeply involved in the talks, alongside Israeli intelligence leaders. With Iran threatening retaliation for the assassination of a Hamas leader in Tehran, the negotiations carry additional urgency as the potential for regional escalation looms large.