Doha, Qatar — Negotiators are on the brink of finalizing a ceasefire in Gaza after marathon talks in Qatar on Wednesday. The intensive discussions have fueled optimism that a truce between Israel and Hamas is imminent, with U.S. and Egyptian leaders pledging to stay in close contact in the “coming hours” to secure a deal.
Over eight hours of negotiations in Doha have brought significant progress. Officials from Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, along with representatives from Israel and Hamas, indicated that an agreement for a ceasefire and the release of hostages in the besieged enclave is closer than ever.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Majed Al-Ansari, stated at a news conference that both sides have been presented with a draft text, and discussions on the final details are underway. “We are hopeful that both parties will come to an agreement that will ensure peace and stability in the region,” he said.
Despite the optimism, a senior Hamas official told Reuters late on Tuesday that the group had yet to deliver its response, awaiting Israel’s submission of maps detailing how its forces would withdraw from Gaza. “The ball is in Israel’s court,” the official remarked.
U.S. President Joe Biden, whose administration has been participating alongside an envoy of President-elect Donald Trump, expressed confidence that a deal was close. Biden and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi discussed the progress in negotiations during a phone call on Tuesday.
“Both leaders committed to remain in close coordination directly and through their teams over the coming hours,” the White House said in a statement following the call. The two presidents “emphasized the urgent need for a deal to be implemented.”
Hamas officials echoed the sentiment, noting that the talks have reached their final stages. “We hope this round of negotiations will lead to a deal that brings relief to our people,” a Hamas spokesperson said.
An Israeli official confirmed that the negotiations had reached a critical phase, though some issues remain unresolved. “We are close, but we are not there yet,” the official stated. “There are still details that need to be worked out.”
The international community watches closely as the potential ceasefire could bring an end to the recent escalation in Gaza, providing much-needed relief to the civilian population and setting the stage for longer-term peace efforts.
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Gaza ceasefire appears close as U.S., Egypt focus on 'coming hours'
cgtn.com
