Pessimism prevails as Gaza cease-fire talks resume in Doha
Negotiators are meeting in Doha for what the Biden administration has described as “final stage” Gaza cease-fire talks. But with Hamas refusing to participate and Israel driving a hard bargain, is there any reason for optimism?
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WASHINGTON — The looming Iranian assault on Israel and a last-ditch effort to secure a Gaza cease-fire are testing the limits of US diplomacy in averting all-out regional war.
All eyes are on Doha, where an Israeli negotiating team is meeting with US, Qatari and Egyptian mediators Thursday to salvage a cease-fire deal that would free the remaining hostages taken during Hamas' Oct. 7 attacks.
Hamas is not attending the summit in Doha, Basem Naim, a senior member of the militant group, confirmed to Al-Monitor on Wednesday. Hamas would only participate in talks to “implement what has been agreed on,” he said.
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