Israel to Return to the Negotiating Table with Hamas for Ceasefire Talks

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved the return of an Israeli delegation to negotiations with the Palestinian Hamas group regarding a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, CNN reported on Friday.

“Netanyahu spoke with the director of the Mossad intelligence agency and the head of the General Security Service (Shin Bet) and has agreed to hold the next round of negotiations in Doha and Cairo in the coming days,” stated a statement from Netanyahu's office.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas militants launched an attack on Israel. In response, the Israeli army initiated operations against the Palestinian group in the Gaza Strip.

Hamas had previously proposed a three-tier ceasefire plan in the enclave, under which the group would gradually release the remaining hostages held by Hamas in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. Hamas has also demanded a ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israel from the Gaza Strip, and unhindered access for humanitarian aid into the enclave.

Netanyahu has criticized these demands and vowed to resume Israeli attacks and continue the fight until Hamas is eradicated.