Israeli Delegation Arrives in Doha for Ceasefire Talks as U.S. Pushes to Extend Deal Amid Hamas Rejection

Archive/Al Jazeera
An Israeli delegation has arrived in Doha to participate in ceasefire discussions amid ongoing tensions. Both Israel and the United States are pushing to extend the first phase of the ceasefire, a proposal that has been rejected by Hamas. According to reports from U.S. media, special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, is expected to travel to Doha this week to facilitate these talks. Axios has also noted that the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is aiming to extend the first phase of the previously agreed-upon captive deal, which officially ended on March 1. The goal is to prolong the deal until the conclusion of both Ramadan and Passover.
The upcoming talks in Doha, with Witkoff in attendance, will mark the first round of discussions since President Trump took office. Notably, the initial phase of the ceasefire deal was negotiated during the tenure of his predecessor, President Joe Biden. This shift in leadership underscores the evolving dynamics of these critical negotiations, as both nations work to secure a longer-lasting peace framework in the region. The city of Doha continues to play a crucial role as a diplomatic hub for these high-stakes discussions.