Reuters: Hamas-Israel ceasefire talks yield no breakthrough

The first session of indirect ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel held in Doha, Qatar, ended without progress, two Palestinian sources familiar with the discussions told Reuters early on July 7. 

According to the sources, the Israeli delegation lacked the authority to finalise any agreement.

“The Israeli delegation is not sufficiently authorised to reach an agreement with Hamas, as it has no real powers,” one source said, highlighting the limited mandate of the Israeli team.

The talks resumed on Sunday, ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled visit to Washington—his third meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump since Trump’s return to office nearly six months ago.

Prior to his departure, Netanyahu stated that Israeli negotiators had received "clear instructions" to secure a ceasefire agreement in line with conditions previously approved by Israel. 

The latest chapter of the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was sparked on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and abducting 251 others, according to Israeli authorities.

While most hostages have since been freed through diplomatic efforts or military operations, around 20 are still thought to be alive.

In response to the October attack, Israel launched a large-scale military campaign in Gaza. The enclave’s health ministry reports that over 57,000 Palestinians have been killed. The war has also devastated infrastructure, triggered mass displacement, and left the territory on the brink of famine.

By Khagan Isayev