Gaza Truce Negotiations Could Resume within Days, Says Qatar’s PM

Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, announced Tuesday that indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas over a potential ceasefire and prisoner exchange could resume in the coming days.

In his remarks at a press conference in Doha alongside Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Sheikh Mohammed expressed hope that Israel would not exploit its ceasefire with Iran to escalate its military campaign in Gaza.

“We are seeking an opportunity in the next two days for indirect negotiations between the two parties to reach an agreement,” he said, according to Reuters. 

“We hope the Israeli side does not use the ceasefire with Iran to unleash more aggression in Gaza.”

The expected talks aim to revive efforts for a ceasefire and secure a deal that would include the release of hostages held in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

Meanwhile, Israeli media outlet “News 24” reported that Egypt has officially invited Israel to send a delegation to Cairo to join the ongoing negotiations aimed at advancing a hostage exchange deal.

The Egyptian message stated there is “no longer any justification for Israel not to send a delegation now that the war with Iran has ended.”

A Hamas delegation is reportedly already in Cairo, participating in the talks in which Egypt continues to play a central mediating role.

The renewed momentum follows the recent U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Iran, which has led to increasing international calls for a broader truce that includes the Gaza Strip. In a statement released Tuesday, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum in Israel urged the government to extend the ceasefire to Gaza, saying: “If a ceasefire with Iran is possible, so too is an end to the war in Gaza. Bring the hostages home.”

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid echoed this sentiment, declaring, “Now it’s Gaza’s turn. It’s time to bring the hostages back and end this war. Israel must also begin reconstruction.”

International pressure has intensified. French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking during a visit to Oslo, stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza. “Regardless of what’s happening with Iran, I reiterate the need for a ceasefire in Gaza and for humanitarian aid to resume. This is an absolute priority for regional stability,” Macron said.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, addressing the Bundestag, also called for an end to the Gaza conflict. While reiterating Germany’s firm support for Israel’s right to self-defense, Merz emphasized the need for humanitarian considerations. “The time has come for a ceasefire in Gaza,” he stated. “Israel must ensure the humane treatment of civilians in the Gaza Strip, especially women, children, and the elderly.”

Merz also dismissed any suggestions of suspending the EU-Israel partnership agreement, despite ongoing European discussions aimed at pressuring Israel to allow greater humanitarian access to Gaza.