Jerusalem/Doha, June 2025 — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has authorized a delegation to travel to Qatar for direct negotiations with Hamas, aiming to finalize a ceasefire-hostage exchange deal, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
Israel accepted the invitation following an assessment of the situation and agreed to negotiate based on a Qatari proposal. The proposal includes:
- A 60-day ceasefire
- Release of 10 Israeli hostages in five phases
- Return of 18 hostage bodies
- Release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails
However, Hamas has reportedly requested modifications to the deal, including:
- Clear guarantees for transitioning to a permanent end to the conflict
- Inclusion of Türkiye as a guarantor
- Assurances on humanitarian aid flow and Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza
While Israel has termed these changes “unacceptable,” Hamas insists they are minor and align with the mediation framework. A Hamas source stated that aid must reach civilians through neutral, international agencies, including the UN and Red Crescent, and emphasized the need for clarified terms on military withdrawal lines.
The talks are expected to resume in Doha as both sides weigh the humanitarian and strategic stakes involved.
