Israeli Delegation Heads to Doha for Gaza Talks Amid New Wave of Deadly Strikes

An Israeli delegation departed for Doha on Sunday to engage in renewed indirect talks with Hamas, aimed at securing a Gaza ceasefire and reaching a hostage release agreement. According to Israel’s public broadcaster Kan, “The negotiating team left for Doha for proximity talks on the remaining points of contention with Hamas.” These proximity talks mean the parties won’t meet face-to-face, but mediators — likely Qatari and possibly Egyptian officials — will shuttle between them.

The talks come amid rising international pressure on Israel and Hamas to end the bloodshed. While previous negotiation rounds faltered, officials now say there is renewed momentum due to increasing U.S. involvement and fears of regional escalation, especially after Hezbollah’s threats from Lebanon.

The Israeli government has remained tight-lipped on the exact agenda, but sources suggest that key issues include the duration of any truce, the exchange ratio of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, and the phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.

80 Palestinians Killed in a Day Amid Ongoing Bombardment

As diplomatic efforts resume, the Israeli military campaign on Gaza continues at full force. Over the last 24 hours alone, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 80 Palestinians and wounded 304 others, the Palestinian Health Ministry confirmed on Sunday. These casualties were reported across multiple hospitals in Gaza, according to Al Jazeera.

The ministry also warned of worsening medical shortages, overwhelmed hospitals, and the growing difficulty in reaching those trapped under rubble. Images circulating on social media show emergency workers digging through collapsed buildings with bare hands, with many survivors still missing.

Humanitarian organizations have condemned the ongoing strikes, saying the bombardment violates international law and targets densely populated civilian areas. The United Nations has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire, but so far, no meaningful pause in the fighting has occurred.

Death Toll Soars as War Enters Ninth Month

Since Israel resumed military operations on March 18 after a brief truce collapsed, more than 6,860 Palestinians have been killed and 24,220 injured. These numbers are in addition to the staggering toll of 57,418 Palestinians killed and over 136,261 wounded since the war began in October 2023.

Thousands more are feared dead under the rubble of bombed homes, schools, and hospitals, as rescue crews lack the equipment or access to search many areas. Entire neighborhoods in northern and central Gaza have been flattened, with displaced families now seeking refuge in southern regions — which are also being bombed.

Meanwhile, Israel reports that over 1,200 people were killed in the Hamas-led attack on October 7 that triggered the war, and dozens of Israeli hostages remain in captivity inside Gaza.

As both sides dig in and civilians continue to suffer, all eyes are now on Doha. Will this round of talks finally deliver a breakthrough? Or will it, like the others before it, end in silence and more destruction?

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