Qatar Says Gaza Ceasefire Deal Reaches Final Stage
Qatar is optimistic that a ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas could be finalized soon. Negotiations have entered the "final stage," with both sides holding indirect talks in Doha. Qatar's foreign ministry spokesman, Majed al-Ansari, stated that major issues have been resolved recently, and drafts of the proposed deal have been presented to both Israel and Hamas.
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While progress has been made, al-Ansari warned that even the smallest detail could still derail the process, as has happened before during the ongoing 15-month conflict. However, there is growing hope that the talks will lead to an agreement soon.
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Hamas leaders have expressed satisfaction with the discussions, while an Israeli official confirmed that there has been real progress, but emphasized that the deal is not finalized yet.
Under the proposed deal, a six-week truce would initially be implemented. During this time, Israeli hostages held by Hamas would be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. The truce would proceed in stages, with hostages being exchanged at regular intervals.
U.S. President Joe Biden confirmed that the ceasefire deal, which was first proposed last May, is "on the brink" of being finalized. Pressure for a deal has also increased, with President-elect Donald Trump warning that if the hostages are not released before his inauguration, there could be significant consequences.
The conflict began after Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the kidnapping of 251 hostages. Since then, over 46,000 people have been killed in Gaza, and much of the population has been displaced due to widespread destruction.
Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. have been working together to broker a deal that aims to stop the fighting, secure the return of hostages, and allow for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Al-Ansari confirmed that high-level talks are progressing in Doha, and while there is hope for a deal soon, he cautioned not to get "over-excited" until an official announcement is made.
Details of the proposed agreement include provisions for the release of hostages, withdrawal of Israeli troops from certain areas, and the return of displaced people to the northern parts of Gaza. Israel has also agreed to release 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, including those who have served long sentences.
An Israeli official noted that the weakening of Hamas allies in the region, combined with involvement from both the outgoing and incoming U.S. administrations, has created new possibilities for a breakthrough. However, discussions are still focused on securing the first phase of the deal, with negotiations for the second and third phases to begin soon after.
Despite these developments, challenges remain. Israeli officials are cautious about the deal's approval, with some far-left ministers opposing the terms. However, for families waiting for the return of hostages, there is a sense of cautious optimism.
The deal's success would mark a significant step toward peace, but the road to finalizing the agreement remains filled with challenges.