Hamas and Israel are currently engaged in serious discussions regarding a potential hostage and ceasefire agreement in Gaza, according to a diplomatic source familiar with the situation. The source mentioned that both sides are actively negotiating in good faith, with Hamas negotiators having returned to Doha, Qatar for talks.
The recent push for a ceasefire follows meetings between US President-elect Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on November 22, as well as a subsequent meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Additionally, Al Thani held discussions with Mossad chief David Barnea in Doha on November 24 and again on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, health authorities in Gaza have reported a significant toll from Israeli airstrikes, with nearly 40 individuals losing their lives overnight and into Thursday morning. Among the casualties were 15 individuals at two locations in southern Gaza, identified by the health ministry as individuals guarding aid convoys. In contrast, the Israeli military claimed they were Hamas members attempting to hijack aid.
Tragically, a strike in central Gaza resulted in the deaths of seven children, as confirmed by a hospital in Nuseirat. Additionally, a prominent orthopedic surgeon lost his life on Thursday, according to reports from his hospital.
