Mediators struggle to bridge gaps in Doha

Israel-Hamas negotiations aim to break cease-fire impasse as Gaza aid blocked

Mediators from the United States, Egypt and Qatar struggled to bridge huge differences between Israel and Hamas as they convened in Doha in an attempt to break the impasse on a Gaza cease-fire deal that could either extend the first phase of the truce, or reach a deal on the second stage.

The talks take place amid deteriorating humanitarian conditions and hunger triggered by Israel's blockade. Hamas said Israeli troops are not adhering to the truce as they still occupy the border area between Gaza and Egypt, preventing aid from reaching Gaza.

The group also slammed Israel for violating the cease-fire agreement and undermining it by stalling the troops' withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor.