Negotiators are on the brink of finalizing a ceasefire in Gaza after marathon talks in Qatar. Intense discussions involving U.S. and Egyptian leaders have raised optimism that a truce could be imminent in the besieged enclave.
Officials from Qatar, Egypt, the United States, Israel, and Hamas have indicated that an agreement is closer than ever. Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Majed Al-Ansari, stated that both sides have been presented with a proposal and are ironing out the final details.
However, a senior Hamas official mentioned that the group’s response is pending as they await Israel’s submission of maps detailing how its forces would withdraw from Gaza.
U.S. President Joe Biden expressed hope, stating that a deal is near. After a phone call with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the White House reported that both leaders are committed to staying in close coordination in the coming hours and emphasized the urgent need for the ceasefire to be implemented.
An Israeli official acknowledged that talks have reached a critical phase, noting, “We are close, but we are not there yet.”
If successful, the phased ceasefire could halt the fighting that has devastated Gaza, resulted in the deaths of thousands of Palestinians, displaced many residents, and continues to claim lives daily. The conflict, which escalated after the October 7 attacks by Hamas, has heightened tensions across the Middle East, fueling unrest in the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iraq, and stoking fears of a broader regional conflict.
The proposed agreement includes the release of around 100 remaining hostages held by Hamas. In exchange, Israel would release Palestinian detainees. Families of Israeli hostages are grappling with a mix of hope and despair as negotiations continue. “We can’t miss this moment. This is the last moment; we can save them,” said Hadas Calderon, whose husband Ofer and children Sahar and Erez were abducted.
An Israeli official indicated that the deal’s first stage would involve the release of 33 hostages, including children, women (some of whom are soldiers), men over 50, and those who are wounded or ill. Israel would also gradually and partially withdraw some forces. A Palestinian source noted that Israel would release 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in the first phase over 60 days.
Despite the ongoing efforts, new Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on Tuesday reportedly killed at least 15 people in Deir al-Balah and Rafah, according to medical sources. Meanwhile, the United Nations is preparing to expand humanitarian assistance to Gaza under a potential ceasefire, though uncertainties around border access and security pose challenges.
The international community watches closely as the possibility of a ceasefire brings a glimmer of hope to a region long mired in conflict.
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Gaza ceasefire appears close as U.S., Egypt focus on 'coming hours'
cgtn.com
