Tel Aviv [Israel], May 18 (ANI): Fresh Israeli strikes in Gaza have claimed over 100 lives, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, as international mediators intensify efforts to broker peace. Indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel commenced in Doha, Qatar, on Saturday. Hamas official Taher Al-Nunu confirmed that the talks are “without preconditions.”
While there is cautious optimism, a decisive breakthrough remains uncertain. Israel has indicated it may consider ending the war if Hamas surrenders, but Hamas is unlikely to agree. An Israeli source stated, “If Hamas wants to talk about ending the war through Hamas’s surrender, we will be ready.”
The discussions continued on Sunday amid an IDF ground operation in Gaza aimed at dismantling Hamas infrastructure and rescuing hostages. The IDF asserts that its military actions have pressured Hamas into negotiations. However, analysts suggest that Hamas may have agreed to talks following US President Donald Trump’s visit to the Middle East.
During Trump’s visit to Doha, there was a renewed mediation effort led by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt to explore a potential ceasefire. An official involved in the talks said the US envoy Steve Witkoff presented a proposal that included the release of half the hostages in exchange for a temporary ceasefire. However, this proposal does not guarantee a complete end to the conflict.
Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dispatched his negotiating team to Qatar but emphasized that any agreement would follow the US proposal. Despite ongoing negotiations, the conflict persists, and prospects for a long-term ceasefire remain uncertain. (ANI)
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