Trump’s envoy arrives in Qatar for high-stakes Gaza ceasefire talks

US President Donald Trump’s special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, has arrived in Qatar to take part in indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas aimed at extending the current ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

According to The Times of Israel, citing sources, Israel hopes that Washington will present a proposal to extend the truce for approximately two months, Caliber.Az reports.

During this period, Hamas would release around half of the remaining living hostages.

The mediators—Qatar, the US, and Egypt—are working to persuade Hamas to demonstrate its seriousness by accepting the proposal. The Israeli media report that this would allow more time to negotiate a broader agreement on a permanent ceasefire. Under the proposed terms, Hamas could release 10 hostages, including American-Israeli citizen Edan Alexander, in exchange for an additional 60 days of truce.

Mediators have reportedly warned Hamas, saying, “This is your last chance to prevent Israel from resuming the war. Everyone needs time, even you.”

An Israeli source familiar with the discussions told The Times of Israel that Hamas has shown "a certain degree of willingness" to agree to a long-term extension of the ceasefire. However, this would be in exchange for the release of high-ranking prisoners held by Israel, without immediately moving to a second phase of the deal.

Hamas spokesman Abdul Rahman Shadid expressed cautious optimism about the negotiations, stating, “We hope that the current round of negotiations that has begun will lead to tangible progress toward the start of the second phase.” He also emphasized that Hamas is counting on Whitkoff to facilitate an agreement.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar acknowledged that Israel remains open to achieving its objectives in Gaza through negotiations but did not rule out the possibility of resuming military operations.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on March 10 that the direct dealings were a “one-off situation” that as of now “hasn’t borne fruit.”

Of the hostages remaining in Gaza, 24 are presumed to be alive, while 35 have been confirmed dead by Israeli officials, based on evidence and intelligence.

The current ceasefire, which began in mid-January, temporarily halted Israel’s bombardment and ground operations in Gaza, part of its military campaign against Hamas following the group's October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel. During the first phase of the ceasefire, Hamas released 25 Israeli hostages and the bodies of eight others in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.

By Tamilla Hasanova