Israeli Delegation to Visit Doha for Gaza Ceasefire Talks Amidst Stalled Negotiations

An Israeli government delegation is scheduled to visit Doha on Monday, March 10, 2025, following an invitation from U.S. mediators to discuss a ceasefire in Gaza. This announcement comes after Hamas expressed "positive indicators" in indirect negotiations with Israel regarding the ceasefire agreement and a transition to its second phase. However, an anonymous Israeli official has stated that Israel has not observed any progress in these negotiations. The second phase of the ceasefire agreement, initially slated to begin on March 1, includes the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza in exchange for the remaining living hostages. Hamas has reiterated its commitment to this second phase despite the apparent standstill in talks. Israel has requested a new agreement to extend the truce during Ramadan and Passover, conditioned on the release of the remaining hostages but without a troop withdrawal. Furthermore, Israeli authorities reportedly suspended the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza on Sunday, a move Hamas has condemned as blackmail. The group emphasized that restricting aid to Gaza, which has suffered extensive damage from Israeli bombardments, impacts both the Gazan population and the Israeli hostages held within the enclave.