Renewed Truce Talks Amid Deadly Strikes in Gaza

Jabalya, Gaza – International mediators are intensifying efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza following a significant escalation in violence. The Palestinian health ministry reported over 100 fatalities from overnight airstrikes launched by Israel on May 18, 2025.

On Saturday, discussions began in Doha, Qatar, as representatives from Hamas and Israel entered indirect negotiations aimed at reaching a ceasefire and a deal regarding hostages. Senior Hamas official Taher Al-Nunu confirmed the negotiations, stating, “We have agreed to the current round of negotiations without preconditions,” as reported by Hamas-run al Aqsa TV.

Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant expressed that the new military operation, dubbed ‘Gideon’s Chariots,’ compelled Hamas to return to the negotiating table. “With this operation, the Hamas delegation in Doha has resumed talks on a hostage deal,” Gallant explained.

Contributing to the situation, US President Donald Trump’s visit to Doha earlier in May has prompted discussions between Qatar and the US, aiming to facilitate a new ceasefire agreement. An official, who wished to remain anonymous, described a renewed push by mediators from the United States, Qatar, and Egypt to negotiate an end to the conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been actively involved, coordinating closely with the negotiation team in Doha, as well as with US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. He directed his team to focus on securing the release of hostages, although any agreement remains contingent upon a proposal that offers to free half of the hostages in exchange for a temporary ceasefire.

During his recent visit, Trump emphasized the need to end the “brutal war” in Gaza. He has sought to play a mediator role between regional groups, including Hamas. Despite the cessation of striking deals with Israel, Trump reassured that his efforts benefitted Israel’s strategic interests.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has grown increasingly dire. The UN and various aid organizations have sounded alarms over the ongoing offensive by Israel, which has heavily impacted civilians. Reports confirm entire families have been killed in the strikes, further stressing an already overwhelmed healthcare system in Gaza.

The Palestinian health ministry indicated that all public hospitals in northern Gaza are currently out of service. The region faces a critical food crisis, as reports suggest over 2.1 million residents risk famine following a prolonged blocking of aid by Israel.

Volker Turk, the UN human rights chief, condemned the Israeli bombings, describing them as “equivalent to ethnic cleansing.” He noted that the bombardment and denied humanitarian access signify a disturbing trend aimed at altering Gaza’s demographics.

Despite ongoing negotiations, local residents continue to suffer immense loss. Omar Qandil, who lost multiple family members in a recent airstrike, expressed despair over the world’s silence regarding their plight, lamenting, “There is no one looking at us: not Arabs, not Muslims, no one.”