Donald Trump meets Jordan's King Abdullah as tensions rise over Gaza redevelopment and Palestinian resettlement concerns.

Ceasefire Talks in Gaza Near Resolution as World Leaders Engage Intensively


Negotiators in Qatar approach a pivotal ceasefire agreement in Gaza, aiming to halt fighting, release hostages, and address humanitarian crises.


Efforts to finalize a ceasefire in Gaza have entered a critical stage, with negotiators inching closer to an agreement after prolonged discussions in Qatar. U.S. and Egyptian leaders have pledged to maintain close coordination as a potential truce and hostage release gain traction.
Marathon negotiations in Doha, lasting over eight hours, have heightened optimism among officials from mediating parties, including Qatar, Egypt, the United States, Israel, and Hamas. According to Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Majed Al-Ansari, both sides were presented with a draft agreement, with talks focusing on finalizing details.
However, progress faces delays as Hamas awaits Israel’s submission of withdrawal maps for Gaza. A senior Hamas official confirmed that the group has yet to provide its formal response.

Global Leaders Rally for Progress

U.S. President Joe Biden and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi discussed the negotiations’ progress, emphasizing their urgency. “Both leaders are committed to close coordination through their teams in the coming hours,” stated the White House.
Despite challenges, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has underscored the necessity of Hamas accepting the proposed terms, which include halting hostilities and ensuring humanitarian aid for war-affected Palestinians.

Hope Amid Tragedy

The negotiations come as Gaza endures unrelenting airstrikes. On Tuesday, Israeli attacks in Deir al-Balah and Rafah reportedly claimed at least 15 lives, according to medics. The United Nations, meanwhile, is preparing to expand humanitarian operations, though border access and security concerns remain significant obstacles.
Families of hostages, caught between hope and despair, have expressed mixed emotions. Hadas Calderon, whose loved ones were abducted during the October 7 attacks, implored negotiators to seize this critical moment: “This is the last moment; we can save them.”

Key Elements of the Proposed Ceasefire

The tentative deal aims to exchange hostages for detainees in a phased manner.
  • Hostages to be Released: The first phase involves releasing 33 individuals, including women, children, older men, and those injured or ill.
  • Palestinian Detainees: Israel is expected to free 1,000 prisoners over 60 days.
  • Military Movements: Israel plans to partially withdraw forces in phases as part of the agreement.
The truce could mark the end of over a year of intermittent negotiations and mitigate the devastating toll on Gaza, which has suffered tens of thousands of casualties and widespread displacement.

Broader Implications for the Middle East

A successful ceasefire could reduce tensions across the region, curbing violence in the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iraq. It could also prevent escalation into a broader conflict involving Israel and Iran.
The stakes are high as Trump’s upcoming inauguration on January 20 looms as an unofficial deadline for reaching a deal.
Source:  (Reuters) 

 

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