Negotiators moved closer to finalizing a ceasefire agreement in Gaza on Wednesday after extensive talks in Qatar. U.S. and Egyptian leaders have pledged to remain in close contact over the coming hours to solidify the deal.
Optimism grew following more than eight hours of discussions in Doha. Officials from Qatar, Egypt, the United States, Israel, and Hamas indicated that a truce in the besieged enclave and the release of hostages are closer than ever.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Majed Al-Ansari, stated at a news conference that both sides have been presented with a text, and negotiations on the remaining details are underway.
However, a senior Hamas official told Reuters late on Tuesday that the Palestinian group had not yet delivered its response, as it awaits Israel’s submission of maps detailing how its forces would withdraw from Gaza.
U.S. President Joe Biden, whose administration has been participating alongside an envoy of President-elect Donald Trump, expressed 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 said in a statement following their telephone call.
The two presidents “emphasized the urgent need for a deal to be implemented.”
Hamas officials noted that the talks have reached the final steps and expressed hope that this round of negotiations would lead to an agreement.
An Israeli official acknowledged that the discussions have entered a critical phase, with some details still needing resolution: “We are close, we are not there yet.”
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Gaza ceasefire appears close as U.S., Egypt focus on 'coming hours'
cgtn.com
