After months of deadlock in Gaza ceasefire efforts, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to send a delegation for talks to secure the release of hostages taken during Hamas’s October 7 attack. The delegation, led by spy chief David Barnea, is traveling to Doha for discussions with the Qatari prime minister in an effort to move closer to a deal in Gaza.
The United States has welcomed these developments, following a phone call between Netanyahu and President Joe Biden. The Biden administration has been working to persuade Hamas to accept a ceasefire plan, despite facing backlash for supporting Israel. Meanwhile, fighting continues in Gaza City, with casualties reported and thousands of Palestinians fleeing the area.
Israel’s order to evacuate a significant portion of Gaza’s territory has affected up to 250,000 people. The conflict has led to a significant civilian death toll and destruction, prompting calls for an end to the “maelstrom of human misery” by the U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Gaza.
While progress towards a ceasefire has been slow, Hamas has indicated communication with mediators in Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey to explore options for ending the conflict. The main challenge remains Hamas’s demand for a permanent end to fighting, which Netanyahu and his coalition partners oppose.