In recent updates on the Israel-Hamas conflict, reports emerged on Sunday suggesting a potential ceasefire deal brokered by Hamas fighters from Palestine’s Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the United States. The proposed agreement, aiming for a five-day pause in the ongoing hostilities to release 50 or more hostages, was detailed in a six-page document, as reported by The Washington Post. However, both Netanyahu and US officials vehemently denied the existence of such a deal, despite indications that the hostage release could commence in the next several days.
The debate over the ceasefire agreement coincided with an apparent increase in Israeli aggression on the ground against Hamas militants in southern Gaza. This shift followed air strikes that resulted in the deaths of numerous Palestinians, including civilians seeking refuge in two schools. Israel declared the commencement of the “next stage” in the six-week-old conflict, with Israeli paratroopers conducting raids on what were described as the homes of senior Hamas officials in northern Gaza.
How many hostages did Hamas take?
Previous reports indicated that Hamas had taken close to 240 people hostage following a surprise attack on Israel on October 7. The number of hostages to be released as part of the alleged US-brokered deal remains unclear.
What did the US say?
Contrary to the reported ceasefire deal, a White House spokesperson dismissed the claims, stating, “No deal yet but we continue to work hard to get a deal.” The spokesperson, Adrienne Watson, emphasized ongoing efforts to reach an agreement, and a second official confirmed that no deal had been finalized.
What is the ceasefire deal?
According to The Washington Post, the proposed ceasefire deal involves monitored ground movement through overhead surveillance to facilitate a five-day pause in the operation. The temporary halt aims to allow significant humanitarian aid, including fuel, to enter Gaza from Egypt. While the release of hostages and the pause in operations could begin in the coming days, the Israeli Embassy spokesperson in Washington declined to comment on the reported deal and hostage situation.
The deal purportedly emerged during talks in Doha, led by Qatari mediators and involving Israel, the US, and Hamas. This follows Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s denial of passing up on a serious deal for the release of 50 hostages, emphasizing the priority of bringing back all hostages.
Qatar says ‘just logistical’ factors blocking ceasefire
Qatar, a key player in ceasefire negotiations, acknowledged the significance of the reported deal. Qatar’s prime minister noted that the main obstacles to the release of hostages were now “very minor” and primarily related to practical and logistical issues, signaling potential progress in the mediation efforts.
As the situation unfolds, conflicting statements from involved parties contribute to the complexity of understanding the current status of the reported ceasefire deal and its potential implications for the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
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