In a significant development, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh announced on Tuesday that the Palestinian militant group is on the verge of reaching a truce agreement with Israel. This comes after weeks of escalating violence in the Gaza Strip, with both sides engaging in airstrikes and rocket attacks.
Haniyeh confirmed that Hamas has delivered its response to Qatari mediators who have been actively involved in brokering a ceasefire. “We are close to reaching a deal on a truce,” stated Haniyeh in a televised speech, refraining from providing specific details about the potential agreement.
According to sources familiar with the truce talks, a tentative deal includes a five-day truce comprising a ceasefire on the ground and limitations on Israeli air operations over southern Gaza. In return, between 50 and 100 prisoners held by Hamas and Islamic Jihad, another Palestinian militant group, would be released. Notably, the prisoners would include Israeli civilians and captives of other nationalities, excluding military personnel.
Qatar’s prime minister emphasized on Sunday that the deal’s progress hinged on “minor” practical issues. US President Joe Biden expressed optimism on Monday, stating, “I believe so,” when asked about the proximity of a deal to free hostages. The White House mentioned that negotiations were in the “endgame” stage but refrained from disclosing further details to avoid jeopardizing a successful outcome.
Amidst these diplomatic efforts, Israeli airstrikes continued to target Hamas positions and infrastructure in Gaza, while Hamas and other factions retaliated with rocket attacks on Israeli towns and cities. The recent hostilities, ongoing since November 4, have resulted in casualties on both sides, with at least 250 Palestinians and 12 Israelis reported dead, and thousands more injured.
The international community, including the United Nations, the United States, and various regional and global powers, has been urging an end to the violence and a return to negotiations for a lasting peace. However, achieving a political solution remains challenging due to deep-rooted differences between Israel and Hamas on issues such as borders, security, settlements, and the status of Jerusalem.
Hamas, designated as a terrorist organization by Israel, the US, and the European Union, seeks to establish an Islamic state in historic Palestine, while Israel, which has imposed a blockade on Gaza since 2007, insists on Hamas renouncing violence and recognizing its right to exist before engaging in negotiations. The ongoing developments mark a critical juncture in the pursuit of a potential truce amid the complex geopolitical landscape of the region.
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