Title: Intensive Diplomatic Efforts Continue to Achieve Ceasefire Agreement between Hamas and Israel before Ramadan
The ongoing efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel in the Gaza Strip, aimed at halting the ongoing fighting before the holy month of Ramadan, remain on course despite the tragic loss of over 100 Palestinian lives in Gaza City on Thursday as they attempted to access food supplies. According to officials privy to the negotiations, there have been no significant setbacks reported thus far, but much depends on Hamas’ response to the discussions that have transpired in Paris and Doha over the past week among the involved parties: Qatar, Egypt, Israel, and the United States.
Despite the warning from a Hamas official that the negotiations could face complications, US officials maintain that there have been no substantial derailments in the talks. However, they emphasize the importance of Hamas’ impending response to the discussions, which could potentially pave the way for a lasting resolution.
In the aftermath of the deaths of numerous Palestinian civilians in Gaza on Thursday, US officials have expressed increased urgency to finalize a deal, injecting added importance into the ceasefire and hostage negotiations. On Friday afternoon, President Joe Biden called for an “immediate ceasefire” to allow humanitarian aid to be delivered to the Gaza Strip and facilitate negotiations.
A senior administration official shared that the US is still making every effort to secure a deal by Ramadan, which is fast approaching. The Israeli military has stated that it would intensify operations in Rafah if no agreement is reached by then.
The discussions have been complicated by various sticking points, with disagreements over prisoner exchanges and troop movements remaining unresolved. Hamas is rumored to demand a higher ratio of Palestinian prisoners for the release of Israeli hostages, making negotiations more intricate.
Technical teams have been laboring tirelessly to address these issues in Doha throughout the week. Qatari spokesman Majed al-Ansari announced on Tuesday that disagreements persisted over numbers, ratios, and IDF troop movements.
As part of a potential Hamas response, Israel is anticipating a list of the hostages still alive, as well as more comprehensive details on the number and identities of Palestinian prisoners they wish to release.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shukri voiced optimism that the disparities between the two sides could be reconciled, leading to a temporary cessation of hostilities. He cautioned that failure to reach an agreement before Ramadan would result in heightened emotions and potential repercussions across the Arab and Muslim world.
Sources involved in the discussions suggest that any agreement is likely to be phased, with an initial deal leading to a truce lasting up to six weeks. During this period, negotiations would tackle more sensitive topics such as the release of Israeli soldiers held captive, Palestinian prisoners serving extended sentences, the withdrawal of IDF forces, and a permanent end to the war. “Day after” issues would also be addressed during this period.
