Negotiators are close to finalizing the details of a Gaza ceasefire after marathon talks in Qatar on Wednesday. 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 say 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, told a news conference that both sides were presented with a text, and talks on the last details are underway.
However, 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 showing 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, said a deal was 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 after 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 an agreement.
An Israeli official said talks had reached a critical phase, although some details needed 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
