Mediators are actively working to finalize a truce and hostage release deal regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. A Qatari official involved in the talks expressed optimism that an agreement could be reached “very soon.” Qatar, Egypt, and the United States have intensified their efforts to broker a ceasefire to facilitate the release of hostages taken during Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
US President Joe Biden, alongside Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, emphasized the need for both sides to exhibit flexibility to secure a deal. The phone call occurred on Tuesday, with a statement released from Sisi’s office outlining the discussions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a meeting with top security officials late Tuesday to deliberate on the potential agreement. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken remarked, “The ball is now in Hamas’s court,” noting that if Hamas agrees, the deal could be finalized and implemented promptly.
Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Majed al-Ansari, indicated that negotiations were in their “final stages” and expressed hope for a swift resolution. He cautioned, however, that excitement should be tempered until an official announcement is made. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar voiced optimism during a visit to Rome, stating there is a genuine willingness from Israel to reach an agreement.
The violence that erupted following Hamas’s attack on October 7, which resulted in 1,210 deaths, mostly among civilians, has led to a retaliatory campaign by Israel, resulting in approximately 46,645 deaths in Gaza, primarily civilians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry—a figure considered reliable by the UN. Hostage numbers include 251 taken, with 94 still in Gaza and 34 confirmed dead by the Israeli military.
Relatives of hostages and displaced Palestinians are anxiously awaiting a resolution. Gil Dickmann, whose cousin Carmel Gat was found deceased, emphasized the urgency, stating, “Time is of the essence.” Meanwhile, Umm Ibrahim Abu Sultan, a displaced Gaza resident, conveyed her desperation for a truce. Reports suggest that the first phase of the potential agreement could see 33 Israeli hostages released in exchange for around 1,000 Palestinian prisoners.
Discussions have included the condition that Israel maintain a buffer zone within Gaza during the truce’s implementation. Although Hamas looks forward to a “clear and comprehensive agreement,” there are still significant disagreements to resolve. Members of Netanyahu’s government, such as Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, voiced opposition to what they termed a “disastrous deal,” while Saar maintained that a majority within the government would back a hostage agreement.
Sticking points include the duration of the ceasefire, the scale of humanitarian aid, and the withdrawal of Israeli troops. Netanyahu has rejected the notion of a full withdrawal from Gaza amid ongoing military operations targeting Hamas. Despite the negotiations, Israel’s military activity in Gaza continues, with recent strikes resulting in civilian casualties, including children, underscoring the urgency for a diplomatic resolution amid mounting humanitarian concerns.
