Ceasefire negotiations in Gaza are set to continue on Friday in Qatar, with hopes that a breakthrough could prevent further regional escalation and end the ongoing conflict, which has resulted in the deaths of over 40,000 Palestinians.
Israeli forces have issued new evacuation orders for areas previously designated as safe zones, citing their use by Hamas for launching attacks.
The latest round of talks began on Thursday and will resume after Friday’s noon prayers. Mediators from the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt are working to bridge the significant divisions between Israel and Hamas, who is being briefed but is not directly participating in the discussions.
“This is vital work. The remaining obstacles can be overcome, and we must bring this process to a close,” stated John Kirby, U.S. national security spokesperson, emphasizing the importance of the ongoing negotiations.
The conflict, which began on October 7 when Hamas fighters attacked Israel, has devastated Gaza, reducing much of it to rubble. The death toll continues to climb, with Palestinian health authorities reporting over 40,000 casualties, mostly civilians. Israel claims to have eliminated 17,000 Hamas fighters during the offensive.
Israeli forces intensified their operations overnight, targeting multiple locations across Gaza and issuing new orders for civilians to evacuate. Meanwhile, regional tensions are rising, with Iran threatening retaliation against Israel following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31.
In a late Thursday statement, Hamas politburo member Hossam Badran accused Israel’s continued military actions of hindering progress in the ceasefire negotiations. The Israeli delegation in Doha includes high-level security officials, while the U.S. has dispatched CIA Director Bill Burns and Middle East envoy Brett McGurk.
Amid fears of a broader conflict, Washington has bolstered its military presence in the region, deploying warships, submarines, and warplanes to support Israel and deter potential threats. The White House hopes a ceasefire agreement in Gaza will de-escalate the situation and prevent a wider war.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump also weighed in, stating he had urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to swiftly conclude the conflict. “It has to get over with fast. … Get your victory and get it over with. The killing has to stop,” Trump remarked during a Thursday press conference.
The White House condemned recent attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinian civilians in the West Bank, describing the violence as “unacceptable and must stop” following an assault on a village that left at least one person dead.
