A new round of negotiations aimed at securing a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas has begun in Qatar, according to Israeli and Palestinian officials, as IDF operations intensify and diplomatic pressure mounts.

The renewed diplomacy follows unconfirmed reports that Hamas has tentatively agreed to release half of the remaining living hostages and return the bodies of others, in exchange for a two-month ceasefire and international guarantees, particularly from the United States, to negotiate a permanent end to the war.

Citing unnamed Arab diplomats, the report aired by Sky News Arabia claims that Hamas is seeking a firm U.S. commitment that negotiations during the ceasefire would lead to a comprehensive resolution, a demand Israel has consistently resisted.

Though the report has not been independently verified, it has added urgency to the ongoing talks in Doha, which reopened just hours after the IDF launched a new offensive in central Gaza, dubbed Operation Gideon’s Chariots.

Both Israeli and Hamas officials confirmed that negotiations were once again underway. Hamas spokesperson Taher al-Nono told Reuters that discussions were proceeding “without preconditions.”

In Jerusalem, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed Israel’s negotiating team to remain in Qatar, while remaining in constant contact with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer. According to one Israeli official, the military escalation had succeeded in bringing Hamas back to the table after weeks of stagnation.

According to Kan News and Channel 12, the framework under discussion involves a phased truce lasting 45 to 60 days in exchange for the release of 10 hostages and a corresponding release of 200 to 250 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. A list detailing the condition of all remaining hostages—living and deceased—would be submitted by Hamas on the 10th day of the ceasefire.

The Witkoff framework, first proposed in March, is reportedly being used as the basis for current discussions. However, Hamas continues to demand that Israel provide binding international guarantees that military operations will not resume after a hostage deal is completed—a demand Israel thus far refuses to meet.

U.S. officials have taken an increasingly prominent role in the talks. President Trump’s regional visit is believed to have contributed to renewed momentum. Hamas’s release last week of American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, reportedly as part of a separate agreement with Washington, set the stage for resumed engagement.

Meanwhile, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, speaking at an Arab League summit in Baghdad, issued a rare public rebuke of Hamas. He called on the terror group to disarm and cede control of the Gaza Strip to the PA, framing the war as a threat to Palestinian national aspirations.

Hamas and its allies are believed to be holding 58 hostages, including the remains of at least 35 individuals confirmed dead. Israeli officials say that some of the remaining hostages are in critical condition, and time is of the essence.

Israeli officials have said that if negotiations fail to produce meaningful progress soon, ground operations in Gaza will expand further.

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