On May 19th 2025, indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas, led by Qatar and Egypt, had failed to produce an outcome. Talks in Doha remain inconclusive; both parties remain entrenched in their positions with Israel demanding disarmament and exile of Hamas leaders while Hamas insisting upon complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and permanent ceasefire. BBC, AP News and Reuters provided updates. Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that any cessation of hostilities must include Hamas dismantling its military capabilities and freeing all hostages, while Hamas has stated its willingness to do so if Israel agrees to end the conflict and lift its blockade on Gaza. Reuters +3 The Times. Lack of progress in negotiations echoes intensified Israeli military operations in Gaza. Israeli Defense Forces launched a ground offensive, leading to significant casualties and the displacement of thousands of Palestinians; hospitals such as Indonesian Hospital have been forced to close due to damage from airstrikes or lack of medical supplies; hence these restrictions from BBC, Politico and El Pais respectively. Responding to the worsening humanitarian crisis, Israel announced it will allow “basic” amounts of food and medical aid into Gaza. Aid organizations contend these measures do not address the scale of this tragedy – over 53,000 Palestinians have been reported killed since October 2023 when this conflict started. International mediators continue to urge both sides to reach an agreement that will prevent further loss of life and alleviate the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza, but with both Israel and Hamas holding firm on their demands for ceasefires, prospects of such an accord remain uncertain.
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