Gaza ceasefire talks to be held in Doha today

DOHA: Qatar will host ceasefire talks on Thursday in its capital, Doha, to address the ongoing Gaza conflict as Israel continues bombarding schools in Gaza.

The main goal of the talks is to establish a ceasefire and prevent further escalation in the region, with mediators from the United States, Qatar, and Egypt leading the discussions.

Read more: Hamas to stay out of Gaza truce talks in Qatar

The ceasefire talks will take place in Doha, with key participants including Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director William Burns.

Israel has confirmed its participation, but it remains uncertain if Hamas will attend. The group has expressed concerns and is pushing for adherence to a plan proposed by US President Joe Biden in May.

President Biden’s plan includes an initial six-week ceasefire, the release of some hostages, and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza while working towards a long-term peace agreement. This approach aims to address immediate needs and pave the way for sustained negotiations.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged reaching a ceasefire as soon as possible and asked all parties to avoid actions that could hinder progress. Recent tensions, including the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, have raised concerns about potential broader conflicts in the region.

Iranian officials have indicated they will respond to the killing of Haniyeh, which could complicate the negotiation process.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved a delegation to attend the Doha talks. The team will include senior security officials, such as Mossad chief David Barnea and Shin Bet head Ronen Bar, who will represent Israel’s interests.

Read more: Putin, Mahmoud Abbas discuss path to Palestinian statehood

Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani is working to ensure Hamas’s involvement in the discussions.