Hamas wants to ensure that a new cease-fire includes a guarantee that negotiations will lead to a permanent end to the Gaza war.

Israeli and Hamas officials are engaging in indirect talks in Qatar, aiming to establish a ceasefire and a hostage exchange agreement amid ongoing tensions in Gaza. The discussions precede a meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.

The deal comes more than 20 months into the conflict -- and more than three months after a previous deal ended.