Qatar Revives Gaza Ceasefire Talks as US Transition Fuels Renewed Momentum

Qatar's prime minister cites encouragement from the incoming US administration as efforts resume to mediate a truce and prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas.

Qatar's Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani announced that mediation efforts for a Gaza ceasefire have resumed after a hiatus, with renewed momentum following the US presidential election.
The Qatari leader emphasized that willingness from both Israel and Hamas to end the war and agree to a prisoner exchange are key to finalizing a deal.
The Gulf nation stepped back from its mediator role in November, citing a lack of seriousness from the parties involved but has since re-engaged due to signals of support from US President-elect Donald Trump’s team.
The ongoing conflict, sparked by Hamas' October 2023 attack on Israel, has resulted in over 44,600 Palestinian deaths and significant civilian casualties, as reported by Gaza health authorities.
Humanitarian conditions in Gaza remain dire, with Israeli military strikes continuing, hospitals under siege, and international organizations calling for the protection of medical facilities and civilians.