Senior Hamas officials will meet Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Doha on Saturday to discuss the release of Palestinian detainees and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza as part of ongoing ceasefire negotiations, sources told The National.
Progress and challenges in ceasefire talks
Negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas began in Doha on 6 July. US President Donald Trump’s optimistic comments raised hopes of a deal soon.
The talks have made some progress, but major disagreements remain. These include the release of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons and conditions after a proposed 60-day truce.
Saturday’s meeting will focus on finding a compromise about Israel’s refusal to free high-profile Palestinians convicted of security offences. One notable prisoner is Marwan Barghouti, a senior Fatah leader many see as a future successor to President Mahmoud Abbas.
Humanitarian aid distribution and Israeli concerns
The mediators and Hamas will also discuss how to distribute humanitarian aid during the truce. Hamas wants aid spread across Gaza, delivered through UN agencies and their partners.
Israel prefers a “humanitarian city” near Rafah, in southern Gaza. It plans to move around 600,000 Palestinians there to receive aid. Critics compare this idea to a form of containment.
Israel also opposes the involvement of UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, in Gaza’s aid operations. This stance reflects Israel’s distrust of the agency.
The UN has warned of famine in Gaza, as Israel restricts supplies at border crossings. While some aid reaches northern Gaza, much of the help in the south comes from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). This organisation, supported by the US and Israel, has faced criticism after deadly incidents at its distribution centres.
On Saturday morning, at least 32 Palestinians died at one such distribution point. This adds to the daily casualties since the GHF began work in May.
Unresolved issues and next steps
Sources said focusing on prisoners and aid at Saturday’s meeting does not mean other key issues have been solved. For example, Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza during the truce still requires discussion.
“Progress has been made on the withdrawal issue, but more talks are needed,” said one source. “Everyone agreed to address other matters first, then return to the tougher topic of withdrawal.”
Hamas insists that Israel fully withdraw from Gaza as part of any truce.
The proposed deal also includes Hamas releasing ten living hostages. On Friday, President Trump said these captives will be freed soon.
“We have recovered most of the hostages. Another ten will come shortly, and we hope to finish this quickly,” he said.
