Israel Discusses Resuming Gaza Ceasefire Talks with Qatar

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Israel's intelligence agency Mossad is reportedly continuing discussions with mediator Qatar on resuming a ceasefire with the Palestinian armed group Hamas, according to major foreign media on the 2nd (local time).

According to a source, Mossad dispatched a delegation to Doha, the capital of Qatar, on the same day and is in talks with Qatari authorities. The source explained that Qatar is focusing on new agreement terms, such as the additional release of hostages among the approximately 170 still held by Hamas, in its dialogue with Israel.

Israel and Hamas began a four-day ceasefire on the 24th of last month, conditional on the exchange of hostages and detainees, and agreed to two extensions.

However, Israel declared the resumption of fighting the day before, accusing Hamas of violating the negotiation terms, leading to renewed clashes after seven days. Israel claims that Hamas refused to release female hostages, causing the extension talks to collapse, while mediators including Qatar and Egypt are seeking ways to resume the ceasefire.

Since the temporary ceasefire with Hamas ended, Israel has conducted airstrikes on 400 targets across the Gaza Strip as of the second day. The number of Palestinian deaths since the resumption of fighting has reached 240.

The Gaza Strip Ministry of Health stated in a press release that "the number of casualties due to Israel's aggression has risen to 15,207," claiming that 70% of them are children and women. The Ministry also reported that the number of civilian injuries alone has reached 40,652.

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