Palestinians flee with their belongings to safe areas after Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, May 17, 2025. /VCG

Indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel resumed on Saturday in the Qatari capital Doha, according to senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi.

Mardawi said the talks are being held under Qatari and U.S. mediation in an effort to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and finalize a hostage exchange deal, without preconditions.

A source close to Hamas told Xinhua on condition of anonymity that the talks are based on a proposal submitted by U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, which Hamas has substantially amended.

According to the source, the guarantees provided by the United States in the current round of Gaza ceasefire talks appear to be "more serious," including clear commitments to implementing the terms of any potential agreement.

Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed on Saturday the resumption of negotiations with Hamas, saying Hamas' return to the negotiation table marks a shift from what he described as a refusal position it had taken so far.

According to Katz, the change followed the launch of Israel's newly initiated military operation codenamed "Gideon's Chariots," which aims to expand the scope of fighting in Gaza and advance key war objectives, including the release of hostages and the dismantling of Hamas.

An aerial view shows thousands of Israelis rallying at Habima Square to demand a ceasefire in Gaza and the return of Israeli hostages, Tel Aviv, Israel, May 17, 2025. /VCG

Hamas offered to release hostages in exchange for two-month ceasefire

Additionally, The Jerusalem Post reported on Sunday that Hamas has offered to release half of the remaining living hostages and a number of bodies in exchange for a two-month ceasefire. Aside from demanding a temporary ceasefire, Hamas also called for the immediate resumption of aid deliveries.

Furthermore, Hamas is seeking strong American guarantees that negotiations to end the Gaza conflict will begin during the temporary ceasefire and that Israel will stop imposing conditions and obstacles on the delivery of aid.

In recent weeks, the Israeli military has escalated operations in Gaza, launching a wave of airstrikes and deploying additional ground forces.

On Saturday, in the final statement of the 34th Arab League Summit, leaders of the bloc's 22 member states demanded "an immediate halt to the war in Gaza and all hostilities exacerbating civilian suffering." They also urged the international community, particularly influential states, to fulfill their obligations to advocate for a cessation of bloodshed and to ensure unhindered humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The statement reiterated their rejection of the forced displacement of the Palestinian people, calling it a violation of international law. It also called on all countries to provide political, financial and legal support for reconstruction and recovery plans in the Gaza Strip, and welcomed Iraq's call to establish a fund for Gaza's reconstruction.