Qatar reports progress in Gaza truce talks

Qatar has reported 'a bit of progress' in ongoing ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas, following high-level meetings in Doha involving Mossad Director David Barnea and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Despite this progress, negotiators remain divided over the central issue of how to end the war, with Hamas seeking a permanent end to hostilities and Israel focused on the release of hostages without providing clear commitments on ending the conflict. Turkish officials also participated in the talks, expressing support for a comprehensive solution, including a two-state outcome, and highlighting the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza due to an ongoing blockade and lack of aid. The United Nations has urgently appealed for Israel to lift its blockade as Palestinians in Gaza face the threat of starvation. While Qatar, alongside Egypt and the US, continues to mediate, the path to a comprehensive peace agreement remains elusive amid deep mistrust and diverging objectives from both sides.