US Envoy Heads to Doha as Israel, Hamas Seek To Revive Ceasefire Negotiations
Israel and Hamas signaled over the weekend that preparations are underway for a new phase of ceasefire negotiations, as international mediators work to extend the 42-day truce that began in January. The talks seek to secure the release of remaining hostages and to pave the way for a more permanent end to the ongoing conflict.
Citing unnamed US officials, Axios reported Saturday that US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff is expected to travel to Doha this week to join efforts aimed at extending the current truce. According to Israeli public broadcaster Kan, there has been progress in discussions: a senior Hamas delegation, led by Khalil al-Hayya, met last week with US hostage envoy Adam Boehler. Multiple meetings have since been confirmed by Hamas political adviser Taher Al-Nono.
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Meanwhile, Israel announced it will send a negotiating team to Qatar on Monday at “the invitation of the mediators backed by the US.” A statement released by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the Israeli delegation would “advance the negotiations” in hopes of solidifying a new agreement.
The Trump administration, according to Axios, hopes to extend the first phase of the hostage-release deal—originally concluded last Saturday—through the end of Ramadan and the Jewish holiday of Passover on April 19. A senior Israeli source told Kan news on Saturday that the US has floated a proposal to Hamas: free 10 living Israeli hostages in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire extension. Saudi Al Hadath reported that Hamas has agreed “in principle” to free some living hostages in return for prolonging the current truce.
Israel has indicated it prefers extending the existing arrangement to enable more hostage releases without committing to a complete withdrawal from Gaza or a permanent halt to the war—a requirement Hamas insists is key to any second-phase deal.
