An Israeli delegation is set to arrive in Qatar on Friday to resume negotiations on a hostage and ceasefire deal in Gaza. The delegation will include representatives from the Israel Security Agency (ISA), the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), and Mossad, Israel's foreign intelligence agency. Hamas has also confirmed that indirect negotiations will restart in Doha, Qatar, emphasizing their commitment to reaching an agreement.
The talks will focus on achieving a complete ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the return of displaced individuals to their homes. The resumption of negotiations comes after months of deadlock, with the US President Joe Biden pushing for a deal to be reached.
Qatar, which has played a role as a mediator in the ceasefire talks, has not released a statement regarding the latest developments. The Biden proposal, which includes a three-phase plan for a ceasefire and the release of hostages, is expected to be the basis for the negotiations.
Despite previous setbacks and blame games between Israel and Hamas, there is cautious optimism about the prospects of reaching a deal. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has urged urgency in the negotiations, highlighting the plight of hostages held in Gaza.
Amidst the negotiations, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a significant loss of life and injuries, with thousands of Palestinians affected. Israeli airstrikes have targeted civilian areas, exacerbating the already dire situation in the region.
Humanitarian aid remains scarce in Gaza, leading to shortages of essential supplies such as food and shelter. International organizations, including the UN's agency for Palestinian refugees, have called for increased aid to address the growing humanitarian needs in the region.
