Indirect ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas resumed Tuesday in Qatar, as U.S. President Donald Trump urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to finalize a deal that could end the nearly two-year-long war in Gaza.
According to Palestinian officials, a fourth round of indirect discussions took place in Doha, with mediators shuttling between separate rooms housing representatives from both sides. “Talks are still centered on implementation mechanisms—particularly regarding Israeli withdrawal and humanitarian aid,” one official told AFP. Another added, “There’s been no breakthrough yet, but negotiations are ongoing.”
The renewed diplomatic push comes as Netanyahu visited Washington for his third trip since Trump’s return to the presidency. Speaking alongside the Israeli leader, Trump expressed optimism. “I think things are going along very well,” he told reporters, brushing aside concerns over potential delays.
Trump also claimed that Hamas had shown willingness to end the conflict. “They want to meet. They want a ceasefire,” he said. Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is expected to join the negotiations in Doha this week.
Netanyahu: Israel Will Retain Security Control Over Gaza
Despite the ongoing talks, Netanyahu firmly ruled out any possibility of a full Palestinian state, declaring that Israel would “always” maintain security control over the Gaza Strip.
“People may say it’s not a real state. That it’s incomplete. We don’t care,” Netanyahu stated bluntly.
Heavy Israeli Losses Amid Renewed Combat
Meanwhile, the Israeli military reported five soldiers killed Tuesday in northern Gaza—one of the deadliest days for Israeli forces this year. The fatalities reportedly occurred in Beit Hanun, where improvised explosive devices detonated during operations.
Netanyahu acknowledged the toll, calling it a “difficult morning.” He added: “All of Israel bows its head and mourns our heroic soldiers who died fighting to defeat Hamas and free our hostages.”
Since the war began in October 2023, at least 445 Israeli soldiers have died, according to an AFP count based on official sources.
Mounting Civilian Toll in Gaza
On Monday, Gaza’s civil defense agency reported 12 additional deaths, including six people killed in a clinic sheltering displaced civilians. Due to media restrictions and lack of access, AFP has been unable to independently verify these figures.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains dire, with over two million residents affected. According to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, Israel’s military campaign has killed at least 57,523 people—mostly civilians. Hamas’s initial October 2023 attack, which triggered the war, killed 1,219 people in Israel, also largely civilians, according to Israeli authorities.
U.S. Proposal on the Table
President Trump continues to push hard for a resolution, calling the situation in Gaza a “hell” that must end. On Sunday, he said he believed there was a “good chance” for a ceasefire agreement within the week.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that ending the war and securing the release of all hostages remains the president’s “utmost priority.”
According to Palestinian sources, the U.S.-brokered proposal includes a 60-day truce. During that period, Hamas would release 10 living hostages and several bodies in exchange for Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. The deal also includes conditions related to Israel’s phased withdrawal from Gaza, guarantees against renewed fighting, and the restoration of UN-led humanitarian aid delivery.
Of the 251 hostages taken by Hamas in October 2023, 49 remain in Gaza, including 27 the Israeli military believes are deceased.
While both Israel and Hamas have signaled willingness to engage with the U.S. plan, significant gaps remain on key issues—including security control, prisoner swaps, and humanitarian arrangements.
