Hamas resumes Gaza cease-fire talks in Doha

The Palestinian group Hamas announced Thursday that it has resumed negotiations with mediators in Doha over a cease-fire agreement with Israel to end the war in Gaza.

In a statement, Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said the group is engaging in talks “positively and responsibly” to ensure the implementation of all phases of the cease-fire, including ending the conflict, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the reconstruction of Gaza.

Israel’s public broadcaster KAN reported a “positive atmosphere” in the discussions, and Israeli negotiators extended their stay in Doha to continue deliberations on the deal.

US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Doha earlier this week to participate in the talks, further signaling international engagement in the process.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, has resisted moving forward with the second phase of the cease-fire, preferring to extend the first phase, which ended in early March. To exert pressure, the Israeli government cut off electricity and humanitarian aid to Gaza, attempting to force Hamas into accepting its conditions. Hamas has rejected these terms, demanding that Israel abide by the cease-fire agreement and immediately begin negotiations for the second phase, which includes a full Israeli withdrawal and an end to the war.

The initial cease-fire, which came into effect in January, halted what has been described as a genocidal conflict that has claimed over 48,500 lives, predominantly women and children, and devastated Gaza.

In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice related to its actions in Gaza.