Hamas announces return to ceasefire negotiations after IDF starts initial phases of large-scale offensive

The Hamas terrorist organization announced it would resume ceasefire negotiations with Israel in Qatar on Saturday, shortly after the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) launched the initial stages of its large-scale ground offensive in Gaza overnight.

Following intense bombardment in the preceding hours, the IDF stated shortly after midnight that it had begun “conducting extensive strikes and mobilizing troops to achieve operational control in areas of the Gaza Strip, as part of preparations to expand operations.”

According to Palestinian reports, this included further aerial and artillery bombardment but only limited ground advances.

In the early afternoon, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that these moves were the initial stages of Operation Gideon’s Chariots, an offensive campaign aiming to seize the entire Gaza Strip quickly and with overwhelming force.

In addition, Katz said that soon after the operation began, “the Hamas delegation in Doha announced a return to negotiations on a hostage deal – contrasting with the obstinate position they had taken up until that moment.”

He stressed that this had occurred without Hamas demanding an immediate resumption of humanitarian aid or a preliminary ceasefire.

Hamas official Taher al-Nono then confirmed that negotiations with Israel were underway without “pre-conditions”, while speaking with Reuters.

According to Katz, “The heroism of IDF soldiers, the unity of the people, and the determination of the political echelon increase the chance of the hostages being returned – this was the reality in the past, and also now.”

A separate Hamas source told the Qatari newspaper Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that negotiations were now being conducted based on the Witkoff proposal, which Israel had insisted upon for weeks, though with what the source described as “significant changes.”

Hamas' agreement to negotiate based on the Witkoff framework, along with its unexpected willingness to accept a “partial deal” – a preliminary agreement to release some hostages without a guaranteed end to the war – are significant concessions by Hamas.

The proposal reportedly envisions a two-month ceasefire, during which both sides would engage in negotiations toward a comprehensive end to the war, with American guarantees ensuring the agreement's implementation.

Walla News reported that the proposed deal could see the release of 10 out of the remaining 23 living hostages in exchange for a 45-day ceasefire.

Arab media outlets also reported that the Emir of Qatar left a summit in Baghdad, Iraq, earlier than planned and rushed back to Doha to take part in the meetings set for Saturday evening.

In Israel, the sudden readiness to return to negotiations is widely viewed as a direct result of the intensified military operations in Gaza.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed Israel's delegation to stay in Doha to continue the negotiations on Saturday evening, Channel 12 News reported, adding that Israeli officials expressed optimism about a possible breakthrough.

Army Radio emphasized that there was no mass invasion by IDF divisions yet, but that smaller units were conducting limited operations to seize strategic positions that would allow better staging points for a potential broader offensive.

According to Palestinian reports, IDF ground troops were supported by heavy artillery and air cover, while Israeli tanks opened fire at several areas in northern Gaza, including Beit Hanoun, Jabaliya, Tuffah in eastern Gaza City, as well as al-Qarara, near the southern town of Khan Younis, among other locations.

“We are preparing the ground and attacking and leaving an opening for negotiations. If this does not work - the intention is to move forward in the coming days. As soon as we receive an order, we will set off,” Army Radio quoted a senior IDF official as saying.