Media: Gaza negotiations teeter on edge of breakthrough

Negotiations between Hamas and US representatives in Doha have entered a critical phase, with growing signs of a possible agreement on a temporary ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, according to sources cited by the Palestinian news agency Maan on May 15.

The discussions, which began on May 14 in the Qatari capital, are reported to be progressing constructively. Hamas insiders described the consultations as "crucial for the resumption of ceasefire negotiations." According to the same sources, the US delegation has shown flexibility by modifying its stance on certain key issues. However, Hamas continues to insist that any deal must include a complete halt to Israeli military operations and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

Participants in the talks include US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Adam Boehler, senior Hamas figure Muhammad Ismail Darwish, Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, and West Bank-based Hamas official Zaher Jabarin.

Despite the progress, significant hurdles remain. Israeli and Arab officials told The Times of Israel that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s refusal to commit to ending the war permanently is a major obstacle to reaching a final agreement. According to the Israeli official, US envoy Witkoff is pressing both sides to compromise and intends to continue the effort through at least the end of President Donald Trump’s current trip to the region, which concludes on Friday. If needed, the talks may be extended beyond that timeframe, provided they remain productive.

Israel has reportedly warned that it will initiate a large-scale military campaign to retake and hold all of Gaza if Hamas does not accept what is being called the "Witkoff proposal" by the end of Trump’s visit. This US-backed proposal includes the release of approximately half of the remaining Israeli hostages in exchange for a ceasefire lasting several weeks. During this period, Israel would agree to negotiate terms for a possible end to the war, though without any initial commitment to reach a final resolution.

Hamas, however, has rejected this phased approach. It demands firm guarantees that the war will end as part of any deal before releasing more hostages. The group has pointed to Israel’s earlier failure to uphold the terms of a previous ceasefire agreed upon in January, which collapsed in March after its initial stage.

Instead, Hamas has proposed releasing all remaining hostages at once in exchange for a definitive end to the conflict. Netanyahu has rejected this framework, arguing that it would allow Hamas to retain power in Gaza. Domestic political considerations also complicate matters: while recent polls show that most Israelis support a deal to end the war in exchange for the 58 remaining hostages—of whom 20 to 23 are believed to still be alive—Netanyahu faces opposition from far-right coalition members who have threatened to bring down the government if such a deal is reached.

Meanwhile, Egyptian and Qatari mediators are also involved in pushing for a longer-term ceasefire. They have proposed an initial truce lasting several months, exceeding the 45-day pause that Israel has said it could accept. Their plan includes assurances that Israel will remain at the negotiating table throughout the truce and refrain from resuming hostilities.

A notable development occurred on May 12 when Hamas released Edan Alexander, an Israeli soldier and US citizen held captive in Gaza. His release was seen as a signal of Hamas’s willingness to resume talks. Special envoy Steve Witkoff, who was in Israel at the time, met with Alexander following his release.

Hamas stated that it was ready to immediately resume negotiations for a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire and warned that continued Israeli military operations could endanger the lives of the remaining hostages.

According to Israeli authorities, 58 abductees are still being held in Gaza.

By Tamilla Hasanova