U.S. Envoy Heads to Doha for Israel-Hamas Talks Amid Push for Ceasefire Extension
Washington Seeks to Broker Agreement on Detainee Release and Long-Term Truce in Gaza.
Watan-U.S. officials stated that President Donald Trump’s envoy to the region, Steve Witkoff, is expected to arrive in Doha on Tuesday evening to mediate a new agreement between Israel and the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas).
It remains unclear whether Witkoff will meet directly with Hamas leaders or only hold discussions with Israeli negotiators, alongside Qatari and Egyptian intermediaries. An Israeli official indicated that Witkoff aims to bring all parties together for several days of intensive negotiations in pursuit of an agreement.
This round of Doha negotiations is the first since Trump took office and follows the conclusion of a 42-day ceasefire agreement in Gaza, which facilitated the release of 33 detainees in its initial phase.
The Trump administration is advocating for an agreement that would secure the release of all remaining detainees, extend the ceasefire beyond Ramadan and Passover, and potentially lead to a long-term truce ending the war in Gaza.
Hamas and Israel Delegations Head to Doha for Ceasefire Talks
On Saturday, a Hamas delegation held talks in Cairo with the head of Egypt’s intelligence service regarding a ceasefire and a prisoner swap deal. Early Sunday morning, Hamas stated that its delegation met with General Hassan Rashad, head of Egypt’s General Intelligence Directorate, to discuss the implementation of the ceasefire and subsequent phases of the prisoner exchange. The movement emphasized the need to uphold all terms of the ceasefire, immediately begin negotiations for the next phase, open crossings, and allow unrestricted humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Hamas also confirmed an agreement to establish a community support committee composed of independent national figures to manage Gaza until broader Palestinian affairs are organized, leading to general elections at the national, presidential, and legislative levels. Additionally, Hamas expressed appreciation for the outcomes of the Arab summit, particularly the plan for Gaza’s reconstruction and the reaffirmation of Palestinian rights.
Meanwhile, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Saturday evening that Israel’s negotiating delegation would travel to Doha next Monday, responding to a request from mediators and with U.S. backing. This decision follows Netanyahu’s assessment of the situation regarding the negotiations. Furthermore, Israeli Channel 14 cited a source familiar with the matter, denying reports that Israel and Hamas had reached an agreement on a temporary ceasefire during Ramadan.
Netanyahu’s office stated, “At the conclusion of the consultations conducted by the Prime Minister, Israel responded to the mediators’ call, under U.S. sponsorship, and will send a delegation to Doha next Monday in an attempt to advance the negotiations.” Additionally, Israel’s public broadcaster noted that the deputy head of the Shin Bet, referred to as “M,” will lead the Israeli delegation to Doha.
