The Israel-Hamas negotiations to extend the cease-fire in Gaza were in limbo on Thursday as the Trump administration focused on talks with Russian officials in Moscow regarding the Ukraine war. Steve Witcoff, Mr. Trump’s Middle East envoy, was expected to leave the latest round of Gaza talks in Qatar for Russia on Thursday. Mr. Trump has tasked Mr. Witcoff with resolving the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. The indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Doha have yielded little progress due to disagreements over the next steps of the deal. In mid-January, both sides agreed to a multiphase truce that would end Israel’s military campaign against Hamas and release hostages held by Palestinian militants. The truce began with a six-week pause in fighting, during which Hamas released over 30 hostages in exchange for over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The second phase of the truce, which would involve an end to the war, Israeli withdrawal, and the release of remaining hostages, has been met with disagreement. Israel insists on destroying Hamas and demilitarizing Gaza, while Hamas refuses to disband its armed battalions. The first phase of the truce elapsed in early March without a deal on the second phase, but the truce has so far held. Critics in Israel have accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of delaying an agreement. Up to 24 hostages are still being held in Gaza, along with the remains of over 30 others. Israel imposed restrictions on humanitarian aid entering Gaza, raising concerns of a humanitarian crisis. Qatar has criticized the Israeli decision to close crossings to aid as a violation of the cease-fire agreement.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/13/world/middleeast/israel-hamas-ceasefire-trump-ukraine.html