US mediators and Arab nations advance negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza, with a promise to release 33 Israeli hostages.
Mediators from the , along with representatives from Arab nations, are making progress in talks toward a ceasefire that would allow for the release of hostages in . The expectation is that an agreement will be reached this week, with Hamas committing to release 33 Israelis in the initial phase of the truce. Since the start of the conflict on October 7, 2023, when Hamas carried out an invasion of Israel, negotiations for the release of the hostages have faced several obstacles. The emir of Qatar met with US envoys, and Jake Sullivan, White House National Security Advisor, indicated that an agreement is “close” to being reached.
Qatar has been putting pressure on Hamas to accept the deal, while US officials are focused on persuading Israel. A member of Hamas highlighted that there are still outstanding issues, including the need for a commitment from Israel to end hostilities, which have already resulted in the deaths of more than 40,000 Palestinians. Negotiations for a ceasefire are being discussed in stages, with Netanyahu’s first commitment being the release of the hostages in exchange for the suspension of fighting.
The possibility of a more lasting ceasefire will be addressed at a later time, after the first phase of the agreement. Amid these negotiations, Netanyahu plans to meet with the families of the hostages, which has generated speculation about the imminence of an agreement. The Israeli government, however, has already made it clear that it will not accept the return of the body of Yahya Sinwar, leader of Hamas, as part of the conditions for the truce.
Published by Sarah Paula
*Report produced with the help of AI
