Qatar is set to host ceasefire talks on Thursday aimed at resolving the Gaza conflict, with the United States hoping the agreement will prevent Iran from attacking Israel and avoid a wider conflict. Mediators from the US, Qatar, and Egypt have invited both Israel and Hamas to negotiations to end the fighting, which the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry reports has resulted in nearly 40,000 deaths in the Palestinian territory. The talks are expected to take place in Doha, the Qatari capital. While Israel has confirmed its participation, Hamas has declined the invitation, whose October 7 attack on Israel triggered the war.