Hamas announced Sunday its willingness to resume indirect negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire through Qatari and Egyptian mediators, while Israeli forces expanded military operations across the Palestinian enclave. The group emphasized its goal to end what it called a 'humanitarian catastrophe' through a permanent truce and full Israeli withdrawal.
Qatar and Egypt confirmed intensified mediation efforts, proposing an initial 60-day pause in hostilities to create momentum for lasting peace. Their joint statement stressed reconstruction plans for Gaza while Arab-Islamic ministers separately advocated for international recognition of Palestinian statehood as part of a two-state solution framework.
The diplomatic push contrasts with on-ground realities: Gaza's health ministry reported over 30 fatalities near a U.S.-backed aid distribution point Sunday, with the ICRC documenting 179 weapon-related injuries at its Rafah field hospital – the highest single-day casualty count since its establishment.
Israeli military leadership ordered expanded ground operations in northern and southern Gaza, vowing to continue until hostages are freed and Hamas 'decisively defeated.' No official response to Hamas' negotiation offer had been issued by Israeli authorities at time of publication.
