Israel has confirmed it will send negotiators to Qatar for proximity talks with Hamas amid ongoing efforts to finalize a ceasefire and hostage release deal, despite major objections to proposed amendments made by the Palestinian militant group.
The decision, announced late Saturday by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, comes in response to a revised ceasefire plan presented by mediators from Qatar, the United States, and Egypt.
Israel has described the changes proposed by Hamas as “unacceptable” but stated it is willing to proceed with negotiations in the hope of making progress on the return of Israeli hostages.
Hamas had earlier declared it gave a “positive response” to the proposal, which outlines a 60-day ceasefire and the staggered release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
However, a senior Palestinian official indicated that Hamas is seeking critical amendments, including a firm guarantee that Israel would not resume military operations in Gaza if talks for a permanent truce falter.
Among Hamas’s additional demands are the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces to positions held prior to the breakdown of the last ceasefire in March and the cessation of operations by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an aid organization backed by Israel and the US.
Hamas is calling for aid distribution to be handled solely by the UN and its partners.
In Gaza, the humanitarian toll continues to escalate. The Hamas-run Civil Defence agency reported that Israeli strikes and gunfire killed at least 35 people on Saturday. Seven civilians, including a doctor and his three children, were reportedly killed when a tent camp in al-Mawasi was bombed.
Meanwhile, two American staff members of GHF were injured in a grenade attack in Khan Younis, which both the Israeli and US governments have blamed on Hamas. The group has not responded to the allegation.
Despite the deep disagreements, an Israeli official said Hamas’s response contained “something to work with,” giving mediators hope as they prepare to reconvene indirect talks in Doha.
US President Donald Trump, who has recently shown optimism about reaching an agreement, is closely monitoring developments. He is expected to meet Prime Minister Netanyahu on Monday and is keen to announce progress, possibly a breakthrough, during the encounter.
Pressure from families of the hostages continues to mount. Thousands gathered in Tel Aviv on Saturday night demanding a comprehensive deal.
Among the speakers was Yechiel Yehoud, whose daughter Arbel was released in a previous ceasefire agreement.
The proposed deal is said to include the release of 10 living Israeli hostages and the bodies of 18 others in exchange for Palestinian detainees, alongside the facilitation of humanitarian aid deliveries supervised by the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Currently, about 50 Israeli hostages remain in Gaza, with at least 20 believed to be alive.
President Trump recently stated that Israel had accepted the “necessary conditions” for a 60-day ceasefire aimed at laying the groundwork for a permanent end to hostilities.
However, significant opposition exists within the Israeli government. Far-right ministers, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, have voiced strong objections.
Ben-Gvir reiterated on Saturday that only a full military conquest of Gaza, cessation of humanitarian aid, and promotion of Palestinian emigration would secure the hostages’ release.
The conflict began after Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the kidnapping of 251 others. In response, Israel launched a prolonged military campaign in Gaza,
where more than 57,000 people have reportedly been killed according to Hamas-run health authorities.
