Delegations from Israel and Hamas have been in Qatar since July 6, in part of a new effort to reach an agreement to end the conflict, after US President Donald Trump expressed hope for a new US-backed ceasefire proposal.
President Donald Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the evening of July 7. At the meeting, Mr. Netanyahu presented a plan to relocate part of Gaza's population abroad - an idea that was strongly opposed by all major Palestinian groups - and presented Mr. Trump with a nomination letter for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Qatar Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Majed Al Ansari said that the Qatari and Egyptian intermediaries have not yet discussed a final ceasefire, but are only seeking consensus on the phase of principle to move towards more detailed negotiations.
The negotiations have not yet officially begun, but we are discussing with both sides about that framework, said Al Ansari. Both delegations are still in Doha, which is always a positive sign.
According to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff - who played a major role in the new ceasefire proposal - will visit Doha this week to participate in the discussion.
The current proposal includes the following steps: Releasing hostages in stages, withdrawing Israeli troops from some areas in Gaza and opening dialogue on a complete end to the conflict.
Israeli Minister Zeev Elkin said there was a real chance to reach an agreement, although Hamas still demanded adjustments to some key points. Another Israeli official said there had been progress.
However, Palestinian sources said that Israel's limited humanitarian aid to Gaza is slowing down negotiations. There has been no new official response from Hamas.
At the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, Keith Siegel - a hostage released under a previous ceasefire - called for urgent action: "We have a chance to save lives. Every minute is precious.
Hamas has long called for an end to the conflict before releasing hostages, while Israel has said it will not stop the operation if the hostages have not been released and Hamas has not been wiped out. Of the about 50 hostages left in Gaza, at least 20 are believed to be alive.
