Gaza truce: Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas begin in Qatar

The talks focus on a ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages, marking a new step in efforts to resolve the conflict.

Indirect negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas for a ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages in Gaza began Sunday in Doha, Qatar, a Palestinian source close to the talks said.

"The discussions focus on the mechanisms for implementing" the agreement and an "exchange" of hostages held in Gaza for Palestinians detained in Israel, the source said, adding that negotiations began at 6:30 p.m. GMT "through mediators."