DOHA, Qatar — High-level talks on establishing a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip resumed in Doha on Sunday, involving representatives from Qatar, Egypt, the United States, and Israel, though expectations for immediate progress remain low. The Palestinian group Hamas did not participate in the discussions.
Leading the Israeli delegation was David Barnea, head of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency, who met with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Egypt’s General Intelligence Service chief Hassan Mahmoud Rashad, and CIA Director William Burns.
This meeting marks the first formal talks among key stakeholders on a potential ceasefire since mid-October, following the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. The United States previously indicated that the parties are working toward a “new framework” for a potential ceasefire agreement.
According to an Israeli official, progress will depend on Israel’s readiness to pause hostilities, pending government approval. However, analysts warn that fundamental differences between Hamas and Israel, alongside internal political dynamics in Israel and the U.S., make a breakthrough unlikely in the immediate term.
The current round of talks seeks to establish a framework allowing Israel to withdraw while enabling Palestinians in Gaza to rebuild. Israel and the United States are reportedly focused on a plan that would prevent Hamas from regaining strength.
According to various sources, both Israel and Egypt presented preliminary ceasefire proposals. Israel proposed the release of all detainees in exchange for allowing Hamas members safe passage out of Gaza, with plans to use Sinwar’s remains as leverage. However, the proposal was reportedly rejected by Hamas when communicated through Egyptian mediators.
