Egypt Mediators in Doha for Talks on Gaza Ceasefire

The delegation’s primary objective was to "secure the release of prisoners and hostages as part of a transitional phase" that could lead to a more permanent resolution to the ongoing conflict, according to Al-Qahera News. In addition, they were expected to address "the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip" as preparations began for the second phase of a permanent ceasefire agreement.

Mediated by Egypt, with support from Qatar and the United States, the negotiations between Hamas and Israel have reached an impasse in recent weeks, following the expiration of the first phase of a ceasefire deal that had been established on January 19. The situation remains tense, with little progress made since the deal’s expiry in early March.

The Doha talks occurred one day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened to seize parts of Gaza if Hamas failed to release hostages. In response, Hamas issued a grim warning, stating that hostages would return "in coffins" unless Israeli bombing of Palestinian territory ceased.

The conflict has seen a resurgence of violence, with over 855 people killed in the past week of Israeli operations, according to Gaza's health ministry. These operations, which resumed on March 18 after a brief period of relative calm, have further destabilized the region, with militants launching rocket attacks in retaliation.

The United Nations reported on Wednesday that the renewed Israeli military actions had displaced 142,000 people within a week and warned of deteriorating conditions, exacerbated by Israel's restrictions on aid entering Gaza.

Of the 251 hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, 58 remain in captivity, including 34 confirmed dead, according to the Israeli military. In retaliation, Israel's offensive has claimed the lives of at least 50,208 people in Gaza, the majority of whom are civilians, the health ministry reported.