US to lead ceasefire talks with Qatar on behalf of Israel

Israel has “effectively agreed” to let the US lead negotiations with Qatar and other mediators on a comprehensive deal to end the war, the Israeli Broadcasting Authority has reported.

The outlet said the matter was raised in talks between the Israeli and Qatari prime ministers, as well as in a meeting between an Israeli envoy and US envoy Steve Witkoff in Spain.

Channel 12 reported that Israel and Hamas could return to negotiations soon. It said Hamas leaders in Turkey are expected to move to Egypt’s Cairo and Qatar’s Doha, quoting a senior Shin Bet official as saying the group is ready to “show flexibility” under pressure from Israeli military operations in Gaza.

Hamas has not commented on the reports but has previously stated it supports a deal to end the war and bring humanitarian aid into Gaza,