GAZA CITY – In a rare diplomatic development, Hamas and the United States have held direct talks in Doha, focusing on a potential Gaza ceasefire, hostage-prisoner exchange, and the urgent entry of humanitarian aid, according to senior Hamas officials speaking to AFP on Sunday.
The ongoing negotiations mark the first known face-to-face interaction between Hamas and US representatives amid the continued hostilities in the Gaza Strip.
Progress on Humanitarian Access and Hostage Talks
A Hamas official confirmed that progress has been made, particularly on allowing humanitarian aid into the besieged enclave and in discussions surrounding the exchange of hostages for Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons. Special attention was reportedly given to Edan Alexander, a dual US-Israeli citizen held since the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel.
Another official highlighted advancement on a possible ceasefire agreement, although talks are still underway with no formal breakthrough yet announced.
Hostilities and Humanitarian Crisis Continue
The last ceasefire ended on March 18, after lasting two months, when Israel launched a renewed offensive and intensified bombardment across Gaza. Since then, all aid deliveries have been halted, with Israel stating it aims to increase pressure on Hamas to release the remaining 58 hostages still in captivity.
The talks come as international calls grow louder for de-escalation and humanitarian relief amid the deepening crisis in Gaza.
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