GAZA – Gaza hostage and ceasefire talks in Doha “have begun,” a diplomat familiar with the matter told CNN on Sunday. Top negotiators from the United States, Israel and Qatar were slated to meet in Doha on Sunday to discuss efforts to reach an agreement, CNN reported.

This is the first round of high-level talks in more than two months. US officials have argued for renewed momentum following Israel’s killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. Earlier Sunday, Egypt publicly proposed a two-day ceasefire deal in which four Israeli hostages in Gaza would be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. Cairo has played a key role in mediating the talks, along with Qatar and the US. (CNN)