Negotiators are close to finalizing a ceasefire in Gaza after marathon talks in Doha, Qatar, where U.S. and Egyptian leaders have promised to stay in close contact about a deal over the coming hours.
More than eight hours of discussions in Doha have fueled optimism. Officials from Qatar, Egypt, the U.S., Israel, and Hamas indicate that an agreement for a truce in the besieged enclave and the release of hostages is closer than ever.
Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Majed Al-Ansari, announced at a news conference that both sides were presented with a text, and negotiations on the final details are underway.
A senior Hamas official told Reuters late on Tuesday that the Palestinian group had not yet delivered its response because it was still waiting for Israel to submit 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, stated that a deal is close.
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 the leaders’ telephone call.
The two presidents “emphasized the urgent need for a deal to be implemented.”
Hamas stated that the talks have reached the final steps and expressed hope that this round of negotiations would lead to a deal.
An Israeli official said that discussions have reached a critical phase, although some details still need to be worked out: “We are close, we are not there yet.”
Reference(s):
Gaza ceasefire appears close as U.S., Egypt focus on 'coming hours'
cgtn.com
