Hamas-Israel Crisis: Negotiations to Secure Hostages Release Continue in Qatar

Hostage talks are scheduled to continue in Qatar focusing on the framework for a potential agreement to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. This would be in exchange for a temporary ceasefire and the release of Palestinian prisoners.

The negotiations follow discussions held in Paris on Friday between an Israeli delegation and mediators from the US, Qatar, and Egypt.

During these talks, Israel’s delegation agreed to a basic outline for a deal involving a six-week truce and the exchange of approximately 40 hostages for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, according to officials.

The meeting between the four countries, which kicked off on Friday in Paris, is the latest in a series of international and regional efforts aimed at securing a ceasefire deal in the Gaza Strip before the start of Ramadan.

Hamas representatives were absent from the Paris meeting, raising concerns about the acceptability of the outline to the group.

The group has, however, insisted on a complete cessation of hostilities as a precondition for any hostage deal, as well as the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners.