Hamas Confirms Resumption of Gaza Ceasefire Talks

Ceasefire discussions concerning Gaza have resumed, according to Hamas, as parties seek a resolution to ongoing hostilities. Stay updated on the latest developments.

According to senior Hamas official Bassem Naim, as reported by the Associated Press, international mediators have resumed talks with both Hamas and Israel in an effort to end the conflict in Gaza.

In November, Qatar paused its mediation efforts due to frustration over the lack of progress and indicated that the parties were not engaging in negotiations with genuine intent.

Recently, there has been a renewed effort to halt the fighting, release hostages from Gaza, and free Palestinian prisoners in Israel. Speaking to AP in Türkiye, Naim expressed hope that reaching an agreement to end the hostilities was possible.

“I don’t believe it’s a major challenge to reach an agreement… provided there is willingness from the other side,” the official stated, highlighting that no “solid or well-developed” new ceasefire proposal has been put forward to Hamas yet.

According to a different official who spoke anonymously with the Associated Press, Qatari mediators have rejoined the negotiations.

In an interview with British broadcaster Sky News on Wednesday, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani stated that officials in Qatar are aiming to establish a ceasefire before US President-elect Donald Trump assumes office on January 20.

Earlier peace negotiations between Hamas and Israel focused on different versions of a proposal for a phased ceasefire. Initially, this plan included a preliminary six-week halt in hostilities to enable the release of female, elderly, and sick hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Concurrently, Israel would retract some military forces to permit displaced Palestinians to return home.

The subsequent stage was anticipated to involve the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces, the release of all remaining hostages, and an agreement on terms for a permanent resolution to end the war. A conclusive phase was proposed to concentrate on reconstruction efforts.

Since the conflict erupted between Hamas and Israel 14 months ago, over 44,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in Gaza. This escalation of violence began after a surprise attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths. In response to this assault, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched operations in the Palestinian enclave. Additionally, more than 250 hostages were taken by Hamas during this period; around 100 are thought to still be held captive in Gaza.

Earlier this week, Reuters reported, based on sources familiar with the situation, that Trump’s soon-to-be Middle East envoy had visited Qatar and Israel. The aim was to initiate a diplomatic effort by the president-elect to secure a Gaza ceasefire and negotiate a hostage release deal before his inauguration.

Naim also expressed his belief that the incoming US administration might “positively influence the situation,” noting that Trump, a strong supporter of Israel, had included stopping wars in the region as part of his election campaign promises.