Israeli Officials Head to Qatar for Hostage Negotiations Amid Gaza Aid Freeze

Israel is sending a delegation to Doha for renewed hostage negotiations, as pressure mounts on Hamas following Israel’s decision to cut off aid and electricity to Gaza. The talks, set to begin Monday, aim to extend the fragile ceasefire while securing the release of more hostages.

White House envoy Steve Witkoff is also traveling to the region, with stops in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, as the U.S. continues efforts to mediate a deal. The proposed agreement known as the Witkoff outline would see Hamas release 10 living hostages, including American-Israeli Edan Alexander, in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire extension.

The first phase of the hostage-ceasefire deal ended on March 1 without an agreement on subsequent stages. While full-scale fighting has not resumed, Israel and Hamas remain at odds. Hamas demands a permanent end to the war in exchange for releasing the remaining 24 presumed-living hostages. Israel has rejected this condition, insisting that Hamas must be removed from power.

Among the 251 hostages originally taken during Hamas’ October 7 attack, 59 remain in Gaza, with 35 confirmed dead. The U.S. has been engaged in separate talks aimed at recovering the bodies of American citizens held by Hamas.

Following the collapse of negotiations, Israel cut off the supply of goods to Gaza, with U.S. backing. While some Western nations have criticized the move, Israeli officials argue that Hamas has stockpiled enough aid for months and is diverting supplies to its fighters. Energy Minister Eli Cohen further escalated the pressure by cutting off electricity to Gaza, affecting the only operational desalination plant in the Strip.

Hamas condemned the move as "blackmail," but Israel insists that humanitarian aid will not be used to strengthen a terror group that continues to hold civilians hostage.

Frustrated by the slow progress, families of hostages have staged protests outside Israel’s Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv, vowing to continue until their loved ones are freed.

“Our children were left behind, and the state doesn’t even speak to us about a plan to bring them back,” said Viki Cohen, whose son Nimrod was taken hostage while fighting on the Gaza border. “We will entrench ourselves in every protest until the prime minister understands that there is no path to victory without returning the hostages.”

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has revealed that Israel is working on a plan to facilitate the emigration of Gazan residents. While controversial, the idea aligns with a proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has called for the permanent relocation of Gaza’s population.

“The process of emigration from Gaza will begin in the coming weeks,” Smotrich claimed, adding that the Strip would remain uninhabitable for years following the war. Defense Minister Israel Katz has also directed the military to prepare a plan for those wishing to leave voluntarily.

The upcoming negotiations in Qatar may offer another opportunity for a temporary ceasefire, but Israel remains firm in its position: Hamas must be dismantled, and hostages must be freed. As tensions rise, both sides are preparing for the next phase of this prolonged conflict. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates on Israel’s ongoing fight against terrorism.