Hamas Withdraws from Gaza Ceasefire Talks as Tensions Escalate

Hamas announced it will not participate in the Gaza ceasefire talks in Qatar, but mediators are optimistic about consulting with the group afterward. The U.S. expects indirect talks to proceed, though U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has postponed a trip to the region. Tensions and violence continue between Israel and Hamas.

Hamas announced on Wednesday it would not take part in upcoming Gaza ceasefire talks scheduled for Thursday in Qatar. Mediators, however, remain hopeful they can consult with the Palestinian group following the discussions. The U.S. expects the indirect talks to continue in Doha as planned, stressing the urgency of progress to prevent a wider conflict.

Despite Axios reporting U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's postponed trip to the Middle East, three senior Iranian officials have indicated that only a ceasefire deal would deter Iran from retaliating against Israel over the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Israel's government confirmed that its negotiation team, including key security figures, will attend the talks.

While Hamas remains skeptical of the negotiations' potential outcomes, its absence doesn't rule out progress. The group's chief negotiator, based in Doha, maintains open communication lines with Egypt and Qatar. U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein, currently in Lebanon, emphasized there are no valid excuses for delay. Intense fighting and airstrikes continue, highlighting the fragile state of affairs.

(With inputs from agencies.)