Tel Aviv: An Israeli political source familiar with negotiations on a ceasefire in Gaza revealed that Israel is engaging in talks with Hamas to potentially end the ongoing conflict. This marks a significant shift as it is reportedly the first time Tel Aviv is conducting such discussions with Hamas about ending the war.
According to TRTworld.com, this negotiation differs from previous ones, which primarily focused on hostage releases. This current deal encompasses the broader issue of ending the war, making it a complex negotiation. Israeli media, including the public broadcaster KAN, reported that Israel might send a second delegation to Doha for further discussions if the Palestinian side agrees to address the details of the deal. Mediation efforts by Qatar, Egypt, and the US are ongoing.
The proposals under discussion reportedly include a 60-day ceasefire, during which 10 living hostages and 18 bodies would be released. Final negotiations on ending the conflict would resume during this truce period. Despite existing gaps on issues like aid delivery mechanisms and Israeli troop deployment, Israeli sources still consider the deal feasible, as per the Israeli broadcaster.
US President Donald Trump announced that 10 hostages in Gaza are expected to be released soon, although he did not provide further details. His administration has expressed strong support for Israel in the conflict. Over the past 21 months, there have been multiple rounds of indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas aiming to reach a ceasefire and facilitate prisoner exchanges.
In November 2023 and January, two partial agreements were reached, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, facing charges from the International Criminal Court (ICC), avoided finalizing the latest agreement, leading to a resumption of the conflict on March 18. Hamas has expressed its readiness to release all Israeli hostages in exchange for ending the military conflict and complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Despite international calls for a ceasefire, the Israeli military has continued its offensive on Gaza, resulting in nearly 59,000 Palestinian casualties, predominantly women and children. The ongoing bombardment has devastated the enclave, causing food shortages and disease outbreaks.
In November, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the enclave.