Gaza has been under a full Israeli blockade for 70 days
A senior Hamas official has told the BBC that the coming hours are critical in reaching a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. The official confirmed that direct negotiations are underway in Doha, Qatar, between Hamas representatives and a U.S. administration official.
According to the source, the talks have been ongoing for several days and focus on securing a truce and enabling humanitarian aid deliveries. A senior Palestinian official familiar with the negotiations confirmed that two meetings took place between Hamas and the U.S. official on Saturday and Sunday.
The discussions reportedly addressed the issue of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, as well as potential frameworks for a ceasefire and the delivery of humanitarian assistance. Israel has yet to comment on the latest developments.
Hamas has consistently stated that it will only agree to a deal that ends the war—an outcome repeatedly rejected by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Former U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to arrive in the Middle East on Tuesday. Israel has warned it will escalate its military campaign against Hamas if no agreement is reached by the end of his visit.
The talks are taking place amid reports of growing frustration within the Trump administration over Netanyahu’s stance. At home, the Israeli prime minister faces increasing criticism, with accusations that he is prolonging the war for political reasons.
Israeli officials have outlined plans for a broader offensive, including indefinite occupation of territory, forced displacement of Palestinians to southern Gaza, and the privatization of aid distribution—plans that have drawn condemnation from the UN and humanitarian organizations.
For 70 days, Israel has blocked the entry of food, medicine, and other supplies into Gaza. Since resuming its aerial bombardments and ground operations in mid-March, at least 2,720 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
The UN reports that since January, about 10,000 children have been diagnosed with acute malnutrition, while food prices have surged by up to 1,400%.
The war began following Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which left around 1,200 Israelis dead and over 250 taken hostage. Some 59 hostages remain in Gaza, with up to 24 believed to be alive.
Israel's ongoing military campaign has claimed 52,829 lives in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
