Hamas announced the resumption of talks on Friday (January 3), saying discussions would “focus on ensuring the agreement leads to a complete cessation of hostilities (and) the withdrawal of occupation forces”
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Hamas and Israel are set to resume negotiations for a ceasefire on Friday (January 3). Image used for representational purpose/Reuters
Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire in Gaza are set to resume Friday (January 3) in Doha, the Palestinian group has announced.
The talks, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, seek to achieve a complete cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Hamas announced the resumption of talks, stating that the discussions would “focus on ensuring the agreement leads to a complete cessation of hostilities (and) the withdrawal of occupation forces.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has said that he had authorised a delegation from the Mossad intelligence agency, the Shin Bet internal security agency and the military to continue negotiations in Qatar.
Rough road towards Gaza ceasefire
Previous attempts at brokering a ceasefire have faced significant challenges.
In November 2024, Qatar suspended its mediation efforts, citing a lack of genuine commitment from both Israel and Hamas. Doha indicated it would reassess its role unless both parties demonstrated a willingness to negotiate in good faith.
The suspension followed a series of stalled negotiations in the 15-month-long war, with each side blaming the other for the impasse