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Israel to send delegation to Qatar for Gaza ceasefire talks: Report

Israeli media reported on Friday that Israel had received Hamas' latest response and was reviewing it.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s latest proposal, endorsed by Israel’s security cabinet, outlines the full military capture of Gaza, indefinite control over its territory, and the creation of a so-called humanitarian city on the ruins of Rafah. (File Photo)

Israel will send a delegation to Qatar on Sunday for talks on a possible ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza, an Israeli official told Reuters. The move comes after the Palestinian group Hamas said it had responded to a US-backed proposal “in a positive spirit.”

The Israeli official, who asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the talks, said the delegation will travel to Qatar in an effort to push forward the negotiations.

The discussions aim to finalise a 60-day truce in Gaza. Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump said that Israel had agreed to “the necessary conditions to finalise” the deal.

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While Hamas has not confirmed the full details of its response, a Palestinian official linked to the group said there were still concerns. These include issues around humanitarian aid, access through the Rafah crossing into Egypt, and a clear timetable for Israeli troop withdrawal.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not yet commented on Trump’s statement. He is expected to meet the US president in Washington on Monday.

Although both sides appear engaged in the process, there are still major differences. Netanyahu has insisted that Hamas must be disarmed, a demand the group has so far rejected. According to Israeli sources, Hamas is still holding 20 living hostages.

Israeli media reported on Friday that Israel had received Hamas’ latest response and was reviewing it.

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The current phase of conflict began on 7 October 2023, when Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures.

Since then, Israel’s military response in Gaza has led to over 57,000 deaths, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The fighting has displaced nearly the entire population and worsened the humanitarian crisis. Israel denies allegations of genocide and war crimes.

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