Gaza truce talks ‘likely’ to resume in coming week, says source close to Hamas

A new round of negotiations for a Gaza truce and the release of hostages is expected to begin in the coming week, according to a source close to Hamas, who spoke to Agence France-Presse (AFP) on Saturday.

“Based on discussions with mediators, we expect the talks to resume in Cairo this week, focusing on proposals for a cease-fire and a prisoner exchange,” said the source, who requested anonymity.

“Egyptian, Qatari, Turkish, and other parties are making commendable efforts to end the war and halt Israeli atrocities,” the source added.

Qatar resumes mediation efforts

Qatar had been leading mediation efforts for months alongside the United States and Egypt.

However, last month, Qatar announced it was suspending its efforts, stating that both Israel and Hamas needed to show more “willingness and seriousness.”

On Thursday, a source close to the talks confirmed that Qatar had resumed its mediation efforts.

Key obstacles in Gaza negotiations

Hamas political bureau member Bassem Naim told AFP on Saturday that the group had “informed the mediators this week that it is ready to show flexibility in reaching a deal to end the war and implement it.”

Naim also stated that such an agreement would include a “clear and agreed-upon timeline” for Israel to withdraw from “key areas in the Gaza Strip,” including the Philadelphi Corridor along the border with Egypt and the “Netzarim Axis,” an Israeli-controlled corridor separating northern Gaza from the rest of the territory.

Hamas‘s demand for a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza remains a key obstacle in the negotiations.