A senior Hamas official has confirmed that direct negotiations are currently under way in Doha between representatives of the militant group and a United States administration official.
The talks, which have been ongoing for several days, are focused on securing a ceasefire in Gaza and enabling humanitarian access to the besieged territory.
According to the Hamas official, the coming hours are “critical” for the outcome of the discussions, which reportedly address not only the framework for a truce but also the release of Israeli hostages and the broader humanitarian situation. The negotiations have been independently confirmed by a senior Palestinian official familiar with the process, who said that meetings took place on Saturday and Sunday.
This development marks a rare instance of direct engagement between the US and Hamas, a group designated as a terrorist organisation by Washington. The shift in approach comes amid intensifying pressure on both sides to end the seven-month-long war in Gaza, which has resulted in a high civilian death toll and widespread destruction.
Israel has not publicly commented on the talks. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has consistently rejected any agreement that would result in an end to the war before the complete dismantling of Hamas. In previous statements, Hamas has insisted that it will only agree to a deal that includes a definitive halt to hostilities.
US President Donald Trump is scheduled to arrive in the Middle East on Tuesday. Israeli officials have indicated that the country’s military campaign will escalate if no agreement is reached by the end of his visit. This planned expansion includes the indefinite seizure of territory in Gaza, the forced displacement of Palestinian civilians to southern areas, and the transfer of aid distribution responsibilities to private contractors — a move that has drawn criticism from the United Nations and humanitarian agencies.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated significantly. The enclave has been under a total blockade for 70 days, with Israeli authorities preventing the entry of food, medical supplies, and other essential aid. The Hamas-run health ministry reports that more than 2,700 Palestinians have been killed since the resumption of Israeli military operations in mid-March. Overall, the death toll in Gaza since the start of the conflict has reached 52,829, according to the same source.
The UN reports that acute malnutrition among children is rising rapidly, with over 10,000 cases identified so far this year. Food prices in Gaza have reportedly surged by as much as 1,400%, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in a population already suffering from displacement and infrastructure collapse.
The conflict was triggered by Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, in which approximately 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 taken hostage. Of those initially abducted, 59 remain in captivity, with an estimated 24 still alive.
The Biden administration, prior to the 2024 election, had maintained indirect channels of communication with Hamas through intermediaries. However, the current talks in Qatar represent a notable departure, taking place at a time of reported internal disagreement within the Trump administration regarding the Netanyahu government’s handling of the war. Several US officials have expressed concern about the long-term viability of Israel’s military strategy and the humanitarian impact of its blockade and air campaign.
Domestically, Netanyahu is facing increasing criticism over the war’s duration and aims. Protests have been held across Israel, with opponents accusing the prime minister of prolonging the conflict for political gain. At the same time, families of Israeli hostages have called for an immediate agreement that prioritises the safe return of their relatives over continued military action.
While no formal statement has been issued by either Washington or Hamas regarding the outcome of the negotiations, sources close to the talks indicate that proposals under discussion include a phased ceasefire, monitored humanitarian corridors, and the potential involvement of international observers.
Any agreement, however, would still require the consent of the Israeli government, which has thus far remained steadfast in its objective to eliminate Hamas’s operational capacity in Gaza. Whether the current diplomatic effort in Doha can yield a compromise acceptable to all parties remains uncertain.
The situation on the ground in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with renewed bombardment reported in several areas overnight. Aid agencies warn that time is running out to avert a complete collapse of civilian infrastructure and prevent further loss of life.
As President Trump prepares to meet regional leaders this week, the outcome of the Doha talks may prove decisive in determining the next phase of the conflict.
