DOHA – The first round of indirect ceasefire negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian resistance group Hamas concluded in Doha without any progress, according to Palestinian sources.
Speaking to a British news agency, the sources revealed that the Israeli delegation did not have the mandate to finalize any agreement which resulted in a deadlock during the initial phase of talks.
The negotiations, hosted by Qatar, come amid renewed efforts by international mediators to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Despite the lack of progress, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that a high-level Israeli team had been sent to Doha. He, however, termed Hamas’s latest demands as “unacceptable” for Israel.
Earlier, Hamas had responded positively to a new ceasefire and prisoner exchange proposal put forward by mediators from Qatar and the United States.
The proposed plan aimed at halting hostilities and facilitating the release of captives on both sides.
US President Donald Trump also weighed in on the development, claiming that Israel had agreed to the terms of a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza.
Speaking to reporters in New Jersey on Sunday, Trump expressed optimism, saying, “We have a good chance of reaching a deal with Hamas this week. Some hostages may be released. I will also be discussing a permanent agreement with Netanyahu and Iran.”
