Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani held discussions on Monday with a top Hamas delegation led by Khalil al-Hayya, a member of Hamas’s political bureau, according to a statement from the Emiri Diwan.

The meeting focused on the ongoing Gaza ceasefire talks and efforts to secure a long-term truce in the Palestinian enclave. Earlier in the day, a senior Hamas official announced that the Movement had delivered a “positive” response to a ceasefire proposal.

During the meeting, the Emir reiterated Qatar’s unwavering stance on the Palestinian cause and its firm support for the Palestinian people’s legitimate rights.

In a related development, Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin held talks with Hamas political bureau officials on Monday. Kalin conducted phone discussions with Hamas representatives, reviewing the progress and current status of the Gaza ceasefire negotiations.

Both parties agreed on the importance of continuing diplomatic efforts to achieve a ceasefire.

Palestinian and Israeli officials confirmed on Monday that indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel in Qatar’s Doha have made progress towards a ceasefire agreement. (ILKHA)