GAZA, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are cautiously awaiting the outcome of a new round of indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel, which resumed Sunday in Doha, capital of Qatar, amid international efforts to end the conflict that has devastated the enclave for more than 20 months.
According to a Palestinian source familiar with the discussions, the first session of the new round of talks focused on the mechanism for delivering humanitarian aid.
"We are waiting for an official announcement to end the war. We have endured destruction and hunger. We just want to live in peace," Sameh Abu Shaaban, a Gaza City resident, told Xinhua.
On Friday, Hamas confirmed it had submitted a "positive" response to mediators regarding an updated ceasefire proposal presented by Qatar and based on an initiative from U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff.
In an official statement, Hamas expressed "serious readiness" to negotiate the implementation of the proposal.
The Palestinian source told Xinhua that Hamas proposed "limited" amendments to the plan, including calls for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from certain areas of the Gaza Strip, restoring UN-led humanitarian aid operations, and ensuring that negotiations will continue beyond the initial 60-day period to reach a permanent ceasefire.
However, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the proposed changes "unacceptable." Nonetheless, Israel agreed to dispatch a team to Doha to participate in the indirect negotiations.
In Gaza, residents are watching developments closely, hoping the talks may finally lead to relief after months of conflict, displacement, and deteriorating humanitarian conditions.
Nedal Abo Ali, a father who lost two sons and four brothers in Israeli airstrikes, told Xinhua he hoped this round of talks would be different from previous ones. "We no longer have time to grieve. I don't even know where my sons and brothers are buried," he said.
In a shelter in central Gaza City, Abu Alaa Helles, displaced from Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza, described the war's impact. "Nothing is left. Children, the elderly, everyone has suffered. This must stop," he said.
The war has caused widespread destruction, crippled essential services, and forced hundreds of thousands to flee their homes. While the humanitarian situation remains urgent, political dynamics present obstacles to reaching a final agreement.
Netanyahu faces pressure from far-right parties that oppose any ceasefire that does not result in the disarmament of Hamas or a long-term political resolution.
Observers said international mediators might help bridge the gaps.
Mukhaimer Abu Saada, a political science professor at Al-Azhar University in Gaza, told Xinhua that Hamas's response indicates its recognition of the need to engage with international actors.
"This round appears more serious than earlier ones ... The Qatari proposal allows both sides to negotiate without making early concessions," he said.
Adnan Samara, a political analyst based in Ramallah, said that despite challenges, both regional and international actors are working to create conditions conducive to a lasting ceasefire.
Gazans continue to hold out hope for a resolution.
"Every day of war is another day of loss. We want to rebuild our lives and hope these talks will finally bring peace," Ahmed Bashir, a Gaza resident, told Xinhua. ■
