The first session of indirect ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel in Doha ended inconclusively early Monday, according to two Palestinian sources familiar with the matter. The Israeli delegation, they said, did not have sufficient authority to strike an agreement with Hamas.
Talks resumed on Sunday ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s third visit to the White House since U.S. President Donald Trump returned to office in January. Netanyahu asserts that his negotiators have clear instructions to secure a ceasefire under conditions Israel accepts.
“After the first session of indirect negotiations in Doha, the Israeli delegation is not sufficiently authorized to reach an agreement with Hamas, as it has no real powers,” the sources told Reuters.
Netanyahu called his U.S. trip a “great opportunity” to expand the circle of peace in the Middle East. He faces growing pressure from the public for a long-term ceasefire to end the war in Gaza and secure the return of roughly 50 hostages, at least 20 of whom are believed to be alive.
Meanwhile, his far-right coalition partners are pushing to continue the military campaign and establish permanent Israeli control over parts of the enclave. As indirect talks continue, both sides brace for complex negotiations in the coming days.
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First indirect Hamas-Israel ceasefire talks end inconclusively
cgtn.com
