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Gaza Ceasefire Talks Resume in Doha Thursday as Hamas Stays Absent, 115 Hostages at Stake

Aug 15, 2024, 02:54 AM

High-stakes Gaza ceasefire talks have resumed in Doha, Qatar, on Thursday, involving international mediators from the United States, Israel, Egypt, and Qatar. However, the talks face significant challenges as Hamas has announced it will not participate, although it may meet with mediators afterward. The absence of Hamas dims hopes for a breakthrough in negotiations aimed at halting the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas and securing the release of 115 hostages. Iran has indicated that a ceasefire deal could delay its potential retaliation against Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved the Israeli delegation's participation, which includes high-level officials such as Mossad Chief David Barnea. The talks are seen as a critical opportunity to prevent a wider regional conflict, with the United States noting a promising start but not expecting an immediate resolution. The Hamas-run territory's health ministry reported over 40,000 killed in the conflict.