Ceasefire Talks Continue Amid Hamas Rejection

Ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas have resumed in Doha, with U.S. President Joe Biden stating that an agreement is 'closer than ever.' A joint statement from U.S., Qatar, and Egypt described the recent talks as 'constructive' and indicated that a new U.S. proposal aims to fill gaps for a potential deal. However, Hamas has rejected Israel's new conditions, which include maintaining troops near the Gaza-Egypt border and veto rights on prisoner exchanges, insisting on a complete withdrawal and a full ceasefire instead. As negotiations continue, Biden emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza where over 40,000 Palestinians have reportedly died since the conflict began. Mediators plan to reconvene next week in Cairo to further pursue an agreement amid rising international pressure for a resolution. The dynamic remains tense, with both sides holding firm on their demands.