As tensions rise in the Middle East, mediators in ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel are making a final push to resume the stalled negotiations on a ceasefire in Gaza on Friday.
The talks, which began on Thursday in Doha, Qatar, come as Israel braces for a potential Iranian attack and amid the rising death toll in Gaza that has reached 40,000 since October 7.
Gaza’s citizens have endured 10 months of relentless shelling, malnutrition, disease, and dire humanitarian conditions.
The assassination in Iran of former Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has heightened fears of an Iranian retaliatory attack on Israel, posing a serious threat to peace efforts.
Israel did not confirm nor deny its involvement in the assassination of Haniyeh.
Thursday’s discussions included CIA Director Bill Burns, Mossad Chief David Barnea, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Jassim Al Thani, and Egyptian Intelligence Head Abbas Kamel, according to CNN.
Qatar, Egypt, and the United States are expected to present a plan aimed at ending the hostilities in Gaza and securing the release of the remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The deal, initially proposed by US President Joe Biden in May, has been stalled by unresolved differences, leaving the path forward uncertain.
Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar has conveyed to Egyptian and Qatari mediators his willingness to pursue a ceasefire, a message that has been relayed to Israeli officials. However, Hamas has stated it will not directly participate in the talks, instead engaging separately with Qatari and Egyptian mediators, according to CNN.
“Our position was clear… we will not engage in new rounds of negotiation. We will only proceed to implement what has been agreed upon,” Basem Naim, a member of the Hamas political bureau, told CNN on Tuesday. The militant group has reiterated that they will not agree to a ceasefire or a hostage deal without a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.