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Gaza cease-fire negotiations between Israel and Hamas remain in preliminary stages despite reports of significant progress, Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari said Tuesday, as the United Nations reported at least 875 people killed at aid distribution points in the past six weeks.
"The discussions on the framework agreement are still ongoing. Both delegations are currently in Doha. The negotiations are still in the first phase. This phase is about reaching an agreement in principle," Ansari told reporters at a press conference in the Qatari capital.
While acknowledging the early stage of discussions, Ansari expressed measured hope for progress, stating mediators are "intensifying their efforts to reach an agreement."
"We cannot say whether an agreement will be reached tomorrow or whether negotiations will collapse tomorrow. But we do not believe there is a deadlock," he said, adding that no timeline has been set for the talks.
The spokesperson's comments came as Israeli media reported significant breakthroughs in the past 24 hours, with Israel's Channel 13 citing an Israeli official close to the negotiating team saying "the path to an agreement is now open."
According to Israeli reports, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved additional flexibility regarding the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, a development that has contributed to progress in negotiations.
The reported advancement follows what Israeli sources described as the government and security cabinet adopting a more flexible stance on Israeli military presence in Gaza, partially accommodating Hamas demands.
U.S. President Donald Trump had previously announced that Israel accepted the necessary conditions for a 60-day cease-fire in Gaza, with the proposal presented to Hamas through Qatari and Egyptian mediators.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights revealed Tuesday that 875 people have been killed at aid distribution points over the past six weeks, with the majority of deaths occurring near sites operated by the U.S.- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).
"The data we have is based on our own information gathering through various reliable sources, including medical human rights and humanitarian organizations," said Thameen al-Kheetan, a spokesperson for the U.N. rights office in Geneva.
Of those killed, 674 died in the vicinity of GHF sites, while 201 were killed along routes used by other aid convoys, including those operated by the United Nations.
The GHF, which uses private U.S. security and logistics companies to deliver aid, began distributing food packages in Gaza in late May after Israel lifted an 11-week aid blockade. The organization claims to have delivered more than 75 million meals since then.
The foundation operates largely outside the U.N.-led system, which Israel alleges has allowed Hamas militants to loot aid shipments intended for civilians—a charge Hamas denies.
The United Nations has criticized the GHF model as "inherently unsafe" and a violation of humanitarian impartiality standards. The GHF has previously denied that casualties have occurred at its sites and accused the U.N. of spreading misinformation.
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During the press conference, Ansari also addressed Israel's recent attacks on Sweida in Syria, stating: "Qatar condemns Israel's irresponsible actions in the region. Israel is not responsible for the security of Syrian civilians. These actions are aimless and have proven to be extremely dangerous."
"We and the international community cannot accept that Israel's such behavior goes unpunished. The international community must take steps against Israel's provocative actions in addition to what is happening in Gaza," he added.
Hamas had previously conveyed its "positive response" to the cease-fire proposal to mediators, expressing readiness for negotiations to implement the truce. However, Tel Aviv initially deemed Hamas' modifications to the Qatari proposal unacceptable before eventually sending its delegation to Doha.
Sources indicate that while disagreements have been largely resolved in the ongoing Doha negotiations, Israel's insistence on maintaining its occupation of the Morag Corridor separating Rafah and Khan Yunis in southern Gaza, as well as in Rafah city, remains a sticking point.
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