Doha, Qatar: The first session of indirect ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel, held in Doha, concluded without any significant breakthrough, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Two Palestinian officials informed Reuters that the Israeli delegation arrived without adequate authority to make binding decisions. “The Israeli delegation is not sufficiently authorised to reach an agreement with Hamas, as it has no real powers,” the sources reported.
The talks, mediated in Qatar, resumed on Sunday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepared for his third visit to the White House since U.S. President Donald Trump assumed office earlier this year. Netanyahu had earlier stated that the Israeli negotiation team had clear instructions aimed at achieving a ceasefire on terms acceptable to Israel.
An official quoted by AFP said, “Negotiations are about implementation mechanisms and hostage exchange, and positions are being exchanged through mediators.”
The negotiations come amid rising internal pressure in Israel. On Saturday, thousands gathered in Tel Aviv near the defense ministry headquarters, demanding a ceasefire agreement and the release of the remaining hostages. Protesters waved Israeli flags and held photos of hostages still held in Gaza.
The ongoing war began on 7 October 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and capturing 251 hostages, according to Israeli sources. Since then, around 20 hostages are believed to still be alive. While many were released through diplomatic efforts, some were recovered by Israeli forces.
Israel’s military response has devastated the Gaza Strip. According to Gaza’s health ministry, over 57,000 Palestinians have been killed. The offensive has caused a massive humanitarian crisis, displacing large sections of the population and leaving the region in ruins.
The ceasefire talks are being closely watched internationally, with some leaders, including Donald Trump, expressing hope for a 60-day ceasefire. Yet, the inconclusive end to the first round in Doha raises concerns over the viability of a near-term truce.
