Several sources close to the negotiations believe that the signing of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas could take place “within the week”.
Israeli strikes targeted homes in the Gaza Strip, killing at least 17 Palestinians late Tuesdayaccording to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry.
The bodies of 11 people were taken to Al Aqsa Martyrs Hospital after a strike hit a house in Deir al-Balah. Another attack killed six people and injured seven others in the densely populated Nuseirat refugee camp.
These new attacks come asIsrael and Hamas appear to be moving closer to a ceasefire agreement aimed at ending 15 months of war and freeing hostages still held in Gaza by Hamas.
Two officials involved in the talks told the Associated Press that Hamas had accepted a draft agreement providing for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of dozens of hostages. An Israeli official said progress had been made, but details had not yet been finalized.
White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan commented on the talks, which are being hosted by the United States, Qatar and Egypt, saying: “I hope we will conclude the Gaza Strip deal this week”.
What is the content of the agreement?
US President Joe Biden, who negotiated the truce with Qatar and Egypt, said the deal was based on one he detailed in May that would involve A “gradual ceasefire” in three parts.
Benjamin Netanyahu made it known that he was only committing to the first phase, that is to say a partial release of the hostages in exchange for a cessation of fighting for several weeks. The possibility of a lasting ceasefire would be negotiated after the start of the first phase, according to Hamas officials.
During the “first phase” of the ceasefire, Hamas would release dozens of the most vulnerable hostagestaken to Gaza by Hamas militants on October 7, 2023. In exchange, some Palestinian prisoners would be allowed to return home during this phase.
During the “second phase”, Hamas would release the remaining hostages in exchange for a thousand Palestinian prisoners, a withdrawal of Israeli forces and a lasting ceasefire. Other sticking points will be negotiated during the first phase.
Withdrawal of Israeli troops
A number of sensitive issues remain unresolved, particularly regarding the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
Hamas declared thathe would not release a number of Israeli hostages held in Gaza until Israel withdraws its troops. For his part, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to continue the fight until the “total victory” on the militant group.
Authorities hope that if the fighting stops, the two sides can reach an agreement on these sticking points.
The resumption of discussions comes as the US Secretary of State *Antony Blinken said this week that a deal was “very close”adding that he hoped to conclude it before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20*.
The latter declared to the American channel Newsmax that a ceasefire was “about to be concluded” and that there had been a “handshake” in the negotiations.
