Qatar announced that a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas is “closer than ever,” with both sides resolving key obstacles in the negotiations.
“A draft agreement has been shared with both Hamas and Israel. Major hurdles in the contentious issues have been addressed. Current discussions are focused on finalizing the remaining details. The agreement is closer than ever,” said Majed al-Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a press conference in Doha on January 14.
Qatar, along with the U.S. and Egypt, has been mediating the ceasefire talks for months.
Final Stages of Negotiation
Al-Ansari stated that the implementation of the ceasefire would begin immediately upon finalization. “Through our negotiations and partnerships with Egypt and the U.S., we’ve been able to significantly narrow the gaps between the two sides,” he said. However, he cautioned against premature optimism.
“We believe the negotiations are in their final stages, but no announcement will be made until a final decision is reached. While we remain hopeful, we urge tempered expectations,” al-Ansari added.
Hamas confirmed that talks had reached a critical stage and expressed hope that this round of negotiations would lead to an agreement. However, a senior Hamas official said they are awaiting a response from Israel, particularly a detailed map of how Israeli forces plan to withdraw from Gaza.
Progress Amid Challenges
An Israeli official acknowledged that the talks are at a critical juncture but noted that some details remain unresolved. “We are close, but not there yet,” the official said.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed confidence that most of the country’s coalition cabinet would support the agreement, despite strong opposition from hardline nationalist factions.
If successful, the phased ceasefire could end months of devastating conflict that has turned Gaza into rubble, claimed tens of thousands of lives, and escalated tensions across the Middle East.
Ceasefire Details and Stages
According to Israeli media reports, the proposed ceasefire would unfold in three phases:
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Phase One: Hamas would release 33 Israeli hostages held in Gaza. In exchange, Israel would free 50 Palestinian prisoners to secure the release of an Israeli female soldier and another 30 for a civilian hostage.
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Phase Two: After 16 days, further negotiations would begin to secure the release of remaining hostages on both sides.
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Phase Three: The final phase would address long-term arrangements, including plans for an alternative governing authority in Gaza and reconstruction efforts.
U.S. Support and Continued Violence
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that the success of the agreement depends on Hamas. “The agreement, if implemented, would free hostages, halt the fighting, ensure Israel’s security, and enable us to significantly increase humanitarian aid for Palestinians,” Blinken said on January 13.
Despite progress in negotiations, Israeli airstrikes on Gaza continued on January 14, killing at least 15 people in the cities of Deir al-Balah and Rafah.
(Reported by Reuters and Al Jazeera)
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