Gaza City:
Hamas and American representatives had rare direct talks in Qatar, two officials of the Palestinian group said on Sunday.
“Direct talks have taken place in Doha between Hamas leaders and the United States concerning a ceasefire in Gaza, an exchange of prisoners and the entry of humanitarian aid,” said a senior Hamas official, adding that talks “are still underway.”
A second Hamas official said that there was “progress made … especially on the entry of the aid to the Gaza Strip” and the potential hostage exchange for Palestinian prisoners of the Israeli guard “, particularly concerning Edan Alexander”, an American-Israeli captive owned by activists.
The second manager also reported progress “on the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip”.
Hamas continues to hold 58 hostages seized in October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.
Israel ended the last cease-fire, which lasted two months on March 18, launching a major offensive in Gaza and increasing its bombing of the territory.
He also cut all the help in Gaza, saying that it would pressure Hamas to release the remaining hostages.
