Tel Aviv [Israel], March 11: On March 10, Israel sent a delegation to Doha (Qatar) to negotiate an extension of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
Earlier, The Times of Israel reported that US President Donald Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, arrived in Qatar on March 11 in an effort to mediate between Israel and Hamas to reach a consensus on a ceasefire and hostage exchange plan. So far, negotiations remain deadlocked due to differences in positions between Israel and Hamas. Tel Aviv wants to extend phase 1 of the ceasefire, which expired on March 1. Meanwhile, Hamas wants to immediately discuss the implementation of phase 2, which includes the release of hostages, Israel's withdrawal from Gaza and a permanent ceasefire.
On March 9, Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen announced that all remaining electricity supplies to the Gaza Strip would be cut off, and that Israel had previously suspended aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip. These moves are believed to be aimed at putting pressure on Hamas ahead of the negotiations. On the same day, US special envoy for hostage affairs Adam Boehler expressed optimism that the parties could reach a consensus in the coming weeks.
After discussions with the head of Egypt's intelligence agency on March 8, Hamas stressed that the group is willing to facilitate the formation of a committee of "independent individuals" to govern Gaza until elections are held. This means Hamas could relinquish control of the civilian government in Gaza, according to Axios.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
