Negotiators are close to finalizing the details of a ceasefire in Gaza following marathon talks in Qatar on Wednesday. U.S. and Egyptian leaders have committed to staying in close contact over the coming hours to secure a deal.
After more than eight hours of discussions in Doha, optimism has grown among officials from Qatar, Egypt, the U.S., Israel, and Hamas. All parties have indicated 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 have been presented with a draft text, and negotiations on the final 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 is still awaiting maps from Israel 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 close. On Tuesday, President Biden and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi discussed the progress of the negotiations.
“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 stated that the talks have reached the final steps and expressed hope that this round of negotiations will lead to an agreement.
An Israeli official noted that the talks have reached a critical phase, though some details still need to be resolved: “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
