Gaza ceasefire negotiations resume in Doha with Hamas officials and international mediators back at the table to end the conflict. Taher al-Nounou, a top Hamas adviser, confirmed on Saturday that the group had entered a new round of discussions without preconditions.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed Hamas returned to indirect talks, describing their decisions as a notable shift from obstinacy. Parallel diplomacy unfolded while Israel launched “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” mobilizing thousands of troops to capture territory and rescue remaining hostages.
Military statements declared forces would operate until Hamas ceased threatening Israel, and every captive was safely returned home to their families. Within 24 hours, Israeli airstrikes and artillery barrages reportedly hit more than 150 targets across northern and central Gaza.
Gaza civil defense officials operating under Hamas administration said cumulative Israeli attacks have killed over 300 Palestinians since Thursday morning. Health authorities tallied at least 146 Palestinian deaths during the previous day, with many civilians badly wounded.
Residents in multiple districts received evacuation orders, yet humanitarian agencies warned that repeated displacement left families exhausted, homeless, and increasingly desperate. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously signaled plans for an intense ground entry scheduled after President Trump concluded his regional visit.
Following Trump’s departure, Friday, Israeli commanders began staging forces near Gaza’s perimeter, preparing extended sweeps into densely populated neighborhoods today. UN Secretary General António Guterres expressed alarm, rejecting forced displacement inside Gaza or the potential expulsion of civilians.
High Commissioner Volker Türk branded Israel’s expanded assault on ethnic cleansing and urged immediate international intervention to protect Palestinian human rights. European leaders, including Spain’s Pedro Sanchez and Italy’s Antonio Tajani, demanded a permanent ceasefire to stop casualties and humanitarian suffering.
The UN said Gaza’s population remains on the brink of famine, warning that hunger and displacement are worsening daily. Meanwhile, Israeli officials insist that sufficient aid enters Gaza, disputing the backed analysis.
