Hamas announced yesterday evening the start of a new round of ceasefire negotiations in Gaza, while Israel's Channel 12 reported that an Israeli delegation arrived in the Qatari capital to resume negotiations on a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. The channel noted that US envoy to the region, Steve Witkoff, is expected to join the negotiations today, Wednesday, "to try to achieve progress."

Hamas leader Abdel Rahman Shadid said in a statement published by the movement on its official digital platforms that the movement "began a new round of ceasefire negotiations today—yesterday, Tuesday—" without providing further details.

Shadid explained that "Hamas is dealing responsibly and positively with these negotiations, including those with the US envoy for hostage affairs (Adam Boehler)."

Last week, Boehler met with senior Hamas officials in the Qatari capital, Doha, without Israel's knowledge, to hold talks on the release of Israeli prisoners held in Gaza, including five Americans.

"We hope this round will yield tangible progress toward launching the second phase of negotiations, paving the way for an end to the aggression, the occupation's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and the completion of a prisoner exchange deal," Shadid said, according to Anadolu Agency.

For its part, Israel's Channel 12 reported that mediators are making "secret efforts" to secure a goodwill gesture from Hamas in the form of a limited prisoner release, aiming to buy more time to reach broader understandings, according to Al Jazeera.

Axios earlier reported, citing an Israeli source, that Witkoff expressed his willingness to remain in the region for three or four days to reach an agreement if negotiations reach a serious stage.

The source indicated that the US envoy confirmed that he would not meet with Hamas officials unless the movement made what he described as "tangible concessions."

Meanwhile, the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation reported that Israel will seek to implement the Witkoff Plan and extend the ceasefire for 60 days within the framework of the Doha talks.

She added that Tel Aviv is prepared to consider releasing prisoners in stages, rather than all at once, given its refusal to discuss ending the war. She noted that she had proposed releasing 10 living prisoners on the first day and the rest on the final day of the extension.

Earlier, an Israeli team consisting of representatives from the Shin Bet internal security service, the Mossad foreign intelligence agency, the army, and the coordinator for prisoner affairs traveled to Doha to participate in the upcoming talks.

The Israeli Broadcasting Authority said the team is technical and that chief negotiator Ronen Dermer will be absent, noting that Israeli negotiators were not authorized to discuss ending the war in the Gaza Strip.

On March 1, 2025, the first phase of a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement between Hamas and Israel concluded. The agreement, which began on January 19, was brokered by Qatar and Egypt and supported by the United States.

Israel has delayed the transition to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, refusing to abide by key terms, including the commencement of the withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor on the Palestinian-Egyptian border. It has also suspended aid and cut off electricity to the Strip.

While Israel sets conditions for moving to the second phase of the agreement, American negotiators are seeking a settlement that may include a new agreement.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Monday that US Special Envoy for Detainee Affairs Adam Boehler's contact with Hamas was a one-off.

Rubio added that Buehler had the opportunity to speak directly with those in control of the detainees, but that the attempt was fruitless.

The US Secretary of State stressed that his country's primary means of negotiation will continue through Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and his work with Qatar.