Hamas announced it will not participate in the upcoming Gaza ceasefire talks in Qatar, though mediators plan to consult with the group afterward, Reuters reports.
The US still anticipates indirect talks to proceed, with CIA Director Bill Burns and US Middle East envoy Brett McGurk representing Washington. Israeli officials will attend the talks to finalize details of the ceasefire framework. Iran indicated it would only refrain from retaliating against Israel if a ceasefire is achieved.
Hamas is skeptical about the negotiations, accusing Israel of stalling. Hamas insists on the implementation of a previous proposal based on a UN Security Council resolution and a speech by US President Joe Biden, and is waiting for a “serious response” from Israel. The group’s demands include a comprehensive ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, lifting the blockade, opening crossings, Gaza reconstruction, and a hostages/prisoners deal.
The conflict, initiated by a Hamas-led attack on October 7, resulted in 1,200 Israeli casualties and more than 250 hostages taken by Hamas. Israeli forces responded with a major offensive against Gaza that displaced most of the population and killed around 40,000 people, most of them civilians, according to the Palestinian health ministry. Israel has lost around 300 soldiers.
