AhlulBayt News Agency: A senior Hamas official has revealed that advanced negotiations are currently taking place between Hamas and the US administration, focusing on a potential ceasefire in Gaza.
In a statement to Al Jazeera, the Hamas official confirmed that talks have been ongoing for several days, addressing key issues such as the entry of humanitarian aid and the cessation of hostilities.
The negotiations follow a March meeting between the US Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs and senior Hamas officials in Doha, Qatar—reportedly without Israel’s knowledge. The discussions centered on the release of Israeli captives in Gaza, including five American citizens.
At the time, Hamas stated that its talks with Egyptian and Qatari mediators, as well as the American envoy, revolved around ending the ongoing war, ensuring Israel’s complete withdrawal from Gaza, and beginning reconstruction efforts.
Despite holding multiple rounds of discussions, negotiations stalled at a critical point. Reports indicate that the US initially proposed a limited deal focusing only on the release of one American-Israeli soldier and four bodies of deceased captives.
During the fourth meeting, the US—under then-President Donald Trump’s administration—reversed course, insisting on unconditional releases without reciprocal concessions. The talks collapsed without reaching an agreement.
On Sunday, Khalil al-Hayya, head of Hamas in Gaza and chief negotiator, confirmed that discussions between Hamas and US officials had continued in recent days. The talks are part of mediation efforts to secure a ceasefire.
Al-Hayya stated that Hamas had demonstrated flexibility and reaffirmed its readiness to release Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander. He emphasized that the release is part of broader steps, including reopening border crossings and ensuring the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
He added that Hamas is prepared to engage in intensive negotiations to reach a comprehensive ceasefire deal. This would include a prisoner exchange, Gaza’s management by an independent professional body, reconstruction efforts, and lifting the siege to ensure long-term stability.
Al-Hayya acknowledged the mediation roles of Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye, expressing appreciation for their contributions to the negotiation process.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. For nearly ten weeks, Israel has blocked aid entry, forcing bakeries, community kitchens, and charitable organizations to shut down. International aid agencies report their warehouses have run out of basic food supplies and infant formula.
Israel resumed its full-scale assault on Gaza and intensified the siege on March 18, 2025, terminating the two-month ceasefire agreement that began on January 19. Throughout this period, Israel repeatedly violated the terms of the ceasefire.
Since October 7, 2023, Israel has faced accusations of genocide in Gaza, backed by the US and European allies. The conflict has resulted in more than 172,000 Palestinian casualties—mostly women and children—with over 14,000 still missing.
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