A fresh round of Gaza ceasefire discussions took place in Doha on Thursday afternoon, involving Israel’s spy chief, his U.S. and Egyptian counterparts, and Qatar’s prime minister. An official briefed on the meeting confirmed these details. The talks aim to end ten months of conflict in Gaza and secure the release of 115 Israeli and foreign hostages. These negotiations come as Iran threatens retaliation over the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31.
The U.S. has deployed warships, submarines, and warplanes to the region to defend Israel and deter potential threats. Washington hopes a ceasefire in Gaza could prevent a broader regional conflict. Though Hamas representatives did not attend Thursday’s talks, mediators planned to consult with Hamas’ Doha-based team afterward, according to the official.
The Israeli delegation included spy chief David Barnea, domestic security head Ronen Bar, and military hostages chief Nitzan Alon. CIA Director Bill Burns and U.S. Middle East envoy Brett McGurk represented Washington, while Egypt’s intelligence chief Abbas Kamel also attended. The meeting was convened by Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
Both Israel and Hamas have blamed each other for the failure to reach a deal, but neither side ruled out an agreement before Thursday’s meeting. An Israeli negotiating team source stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had given considerable leeway on several key issues. Disagreements include the presence of Israeli troops in Gaza, the sequencing of hostage releases, and access restrictions to Northern Gaza.
Leading up to Thursday, Hamas communicated it would continue negotiations if Israel made a serious proposal aligned with Hamas’ earlier suggestions. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri reiterated the group’s commitment to negotiations and urged mediators to secure Israel’s commitment to a proposal from early July, which required a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Even as talks continued, fighting persisted in Gaza, with Israeli forces targeting areas in Rafah and Khan Younis. The ongoing conflict has devastated Gaza, killing over 40,000 Palestinians and displacing nearly all of its 2.3 million residents. “Enough is enough. We want to return to our homes in Gaza City,” said Aya, 30, seeking refuge with her family in Deir Al-Balah.
In Tel Aviv, families of hostages protested outside the Likud party headquarters. “If a deal is not signed today or in the coming days, do not return to Israel,” said Yotam Cohen, whose brother Nimrod is a hostage in Gaza. The hostages were taken during a Hamas raid on southern Israel on October 7, which killed approximately 1,200 people and triggered the war in Gaza.
Hamas issued a statement on Wednesday, reaffirming their demands for a ceasefire agreement. These demands include a comprehensive ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli forces, lifting the siege, opening crossings, and reconstruction of Gaza, as well as a serious hostages-prisoners deal.
Iran’s threat of retaliation over Haniyeh’s killing adds urgency to the talks. Senior Iranian officials have indicated that only a Gaza ceasefire deal would prevent Iran from retaliating against Israel. Additionally, potential escalation from the Iranian-backed Hezbollah movement in southern Lebanon looms large. Following a missile strike in the Golan Heights on July 27, Israel assassinated Hezbollah’s senior military commander Fuad Shukr, leading to vows of retaliation from Hezbollah.
Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged fire for months, maintaining tacit red lines that could vanish if the conflict escalates. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement in Haniyeh’s killing. The U.S. Navy has deployed warships and a submarine to the Middle East to reinforce Israeli defenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What is the purpose of the Gaza ceasefire talks in Doha?
To end 10 months of fighting in Gaza and secure the release of 115 hostages.
Who are the key participants in the Doha talks?
Israel’s spy chief, U.S. and Egyptian counterparts, and Qatar’s prime minister.
Why is Iran’s potential retaliation significant in these talks?
Iran threatened to retaliate against Israel following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.
What are the main sticking points in the negotiations?
Presence of Israeli troops in Gaza, sequencing of hostage release, and access restrictions to northern Gaza.
What is Hamas’ stance on the negotiations?
Hamas is committed to negotiations if Israel makes a serious proposal aligned with their previous proposals.