Gaza Ceasefire Talks in Doha Paused as Mediators Push for Agreement

Ceasefire talks in Doha aimed at ending the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas were paused on Friday, with negotiators scheduled to reconvene next week. The discussions, facilitated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, have been ongoing as mediators work to broker an agreement that could end the fighting in Gaza and secure the release of remaining hostages.

In a joint statement, the mediators announced that the United States had presented a new proposal, building on points of agreement from the past week. The proposal aims to close gaps between the conflicting parties, paving the way for a potential rapid implementation of a ceasefire deal. "The path is now set for that outcome, saving lives, bringing relief to the people of Gaza, and de-escalating regional tensions," the statement read.

An Israeli official confirmed that the Israeli delegation in Doha would return home later on Friday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday to discuss the progress.

The latest round of negotiations comes after months of on-off talks, with the conflict in Gaza resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians. Although Hamas has not been directly involved in the Doha discussions, the Palestinian militant group has been kept informed of the progress.

Key sticking points in the negotiations include Israel's demand that a lasting peace will only be possible if Hamas is destroyed, while Hamas insists on a permanent ceasefire rather than a temporary one. Other challenges involve the sequencing of the deal, the release of Palestinian prisoners alongside Israeli hostages, control over the Gaza-Egypt border, and ensuring free movement for Palestinians within Gaza.

Amid the ongoing talks, Israeli forces have continued their military operations in Gaza, targeting areas across the densely populated territory and issuing new evacuation orders for civilians, citing Hamas's use of these areas to launch attacks on Israel. The situation remains tense as mediators work to bridge differences and reach a lasting agreement.