The first round of indirect talks between Hamas and Israel on a ceasefire in Qatar ended inconclusively, reported Reuters on Monday morning, citing two Palestinian sources familiar with the situation, adding that the Israeli delegation did not have sufficient authority to reach an agreement with Hamas.
The talks resumed on Sunday, ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's third visit to the White House since the start of Donald Trump's second term almost six months ago.
Netanyahu stated before departing for Washington that the Israeli representatives participating in the ceasefire talks have clear instructions to reach a ceasefire agreement on terms accepted by Israel.
Meanwhile, on Saturday evening, people gathered at a public square in Tel Aviv near the Ministry of Defense headquarters to call for a ceasefire agreement and the return of about 50 hostages still held in Gaza. Demonstrators waved Israeli flags, chanted slogans, and carried posters with photos of the hostages. It is believed that about 20 of the remaining hostages are still alive.
As reported by Times of Israel, citing an Arab diplomat from one of the mediator countries, the proposed 60-day truce agreement will ensure the release of half of the 20 remaining living hostages: eight will be released on the first day, and two more on the 50th day. Approximately half of the bodies of the killed hostages will also be returned: five on the seventh day, another five on the 30th day, and another eight on the 60th day.