An Israeli delegation arrived in Qatar on Sunday for further Gaza truce negotiations, as part of ongoing efforts to extend the ceasefire agreement with Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s spokesperson confirmed. The visit coincided with Israel’s military withdrawal from a key crossing point in Gaza, a move agreed upon under the ceasefire terms.
Indirect talks between Israel and Hamas are set to resume this week, following Netanyahu’s recent visit to the United States. However, a source from the Prime Minister’s Office stated that the current discussions will focus solely on technical issues, with broader topics, such as the future governance of post-war Gaza, being left for later negotiations.
Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump stirred controversy last week by proposing the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza and suggesting that the U.S. take control of the enclave for reconstruction.
The remarks triggered international criticism, with opponents labeling the plan as “ethnic cleansing.” In response to the backlash, U.S. officials clarified that Palestinians would be allowed to return once Gaza was cleared of unexploded ordnance and rebuilt. Despite the widespread condemnation, some Israeli officials have expressed support for Trump’s idea.
Netanyahu’s security cabinet is scheduled to meet on Tuesday to review Trump’s proposal and discuss the next phase of the ceasefire agreement.
The current ceasefire, which began on January 19, is expected to last six weeks. Under the agreement:
• Hamas will release 33 Israeli hostages
• Israel will free nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees and prisoners
On Saturday, the release of three Israeli hostages—who appeared malnourished and weak—shocked the Israeli public.“Yesterday, we got our father back. He lost much of his weight but not his spirit,” said Yulie Ben Ami, daughter of freed hostage Ohad Ben Ami. “He survived hell.”With delicate negotiations underway, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future of the ceasefire, the potential extension of peace efforts, and the fate of Gaza’s governance post-conflict.
