Qatar: Doha talks focus on a "negotiating framework" for a Gaza agreement

The Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Tuesday that indirect negotiations between the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) and Israel regarding a truce in Gaza are currently focused on a "negotiating framework" for the agreement.

Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari said during a press conference in Doha, "What is currently happening is that the two delegations are not yet negotiating directly. Rather, we are holding separate discussions with each party regarding a negotiating framework for the talks. Therefore, the negotiations have not yet begun, but we are working with both sides to define that framework."

Al-Ansari said that the ongoing negotiations in Doha regarding a ceasefire in Gaza "will take time."

"I don't think I can give a timeframe at the moment, but I can say it will take time," he added, as the talks entered their third day.

Al-Ansari added, "We are presenting a framework and initial principles, and after agreement is reached on them, we hope to move to the stage of discussing the proposal."

He also reiterated that "what is being discussed is a general framework paper, and detailed talks have not yet begun."

Al-Ansari continued: "It is too early to discuss any details, but there is positive engagement from both sides. The process takes time, and it is not possible to provide a clear timetable for achieving results."

The Qatari official pointed out that "the mediators are seeking to bridge the gap in the negotiating framework and create a suitable environment."

He stressed that "the mediators' efforts are focused on reaching a stage that ends the war in Gaza," in response to a question about the existence of guarantees for a complete cessation of hostilities.

On Sunday, an Israeli delegation arrived in Doha to resume indirect talks with Hamas through mediators, with the aim of reaching a ceasefire in Gaza and a prisoner exchange.

On Saturday, the Israeli government announced its approval to send a delegation to the Qatari capital, Doha, to negotiate a prisoner exchange deal proposals with Palestinian factions, following a "positive" response from Hamas.