Middle East Crisis: High-Stakes Doha Talks Begin on Gaza Ceasefire as Death Toll Mounts. Negotiators from Israel, the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar are meeting today in Doha for “technical-level” discussions regarding a potential ceasefire agreement for Gaza, according to a source familiar with the talks who provided no further details.

The Gaza Health Ministry, controlled by the Islamist group Hamas, reported today that at least 40,534 Palestinians have been killed and 93,778 injured in the Israeli military assault on the Gaza Strip since October 7.

Meanwhile, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas met yesterday with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. According to the Saudi network Al-Arabiya, the Crown Prince emphasized Saudi Arabia’s commitment to de-escalating tensions in the broader region and reiterated the country’s support for the Palestinian people in their struggle for rights, dignified living, and a just and sustainable peace. The meeting included Palestinian and Saudi officials.