Israel and Hamas have resumed negotiations to end the ongoing war in Gaza. Brokered by Qatari and US mediators, the talks began yesterday in Doha.

Senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi confirmed the talks, emphasizing their focus on securing a ceasefire and finalizing a hostage deal.

Hamas has agreed to release nine hostages in exchange for a 60-day truce and Israel releasing Palestinian prisoners.

Israel is yet to respond to the proposal, but said prior to the talks in Qatar yesterday that it would not withdraw troops from Gaza or commit to an end to the war.

However, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz acknowledged the resumption of negotiations, noting that Hamas had previously refused talks, but the launch of Israel’s ‘Operation Gideon’s Chariots’ marked a shift in its position.

The Israeli Defence Minister stated that Israel’s new military operation, aimed at expanding the scope of the conflict and dismantling Hamas, would continue until its objectives were met.

UN Secretary General António Guterres expressed concern over the displacement of civilians, rejecting any forced displacement outside Gaza.