Negotiators are inching closer to finalizing a ceasefire in Gaza, following intensive marathon talks in Qatar. On Wednesday, officials expressed optimism as U.S. and Egyptian leaders pledged to remain in close contact over the “coming hours” to seal the deal.
More than eight hours of discussions in Doha have fueled hope for an agreement. Representatives from Qatar, Egypt, the United States, Israel, and Hamas indicated that a truce in the besieged enclave, along with the release of hostages, is closer than ever.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Majed Al-Ansari, informed reporters that both sides have been presented with a draft text, and negotiations are focusing on hashing out the final details.
However, a senior Hamas official told Reuters on Tuesday that the Palestinian group had not yet delivered its response. They are awaiting Israel to provide maps detailing how its forces would withdraw from Gaza.
U.S. President Joe Biden, whose administration has been involved alongside an envoy of President-elect Donald Trump, stated that a deal is imminent.
Biden and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi discussed progress in the negotiations on Tuesday.
“Both leaders committed to remain in close coordination directly and through their teams over the coming hours,” the White House stated following the leaders’ telephone call. They “emphasized the urgent need for a deal to be implemented.”
Hamas expressed that the talks have reached the final stages and hopes this round of negotiations will result in an agreement.
An Israeli official acknowledged that the discussions have entered a critical phase, noting, “We are close, we are not there yet,” and that some details still need to be resolved.
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Gaza ceasefire appears close as U.S., Egypt focus on 'coming hours'
cgtn.com
