Last year, on October 7th, Hamas militants launched an attack in Israel, prompting the Israeli military to initiate airstrikes in the Gaza Strip. These attacks resulted in the loss of over 29,000 lives in Gaza, and a significant displacement of the population due to the ongoing conflict.
Key Points
President Joe Biden expresses hope for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict by next Monday.
Both Israel and Hamas are reportedly close to reaching a ceasefire deal.
Ceasefire details, including the exact date, are yet to be finalized.
In a recent statement, President Joe Biden expressed optimism about an imminent halt to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. He stated that he hopes a ceasefire will be achieved by next Monday. While acknowledging progress in negotiations, he emphasized that the deal is not yet complete and awaits final approval.
Negotiations involving the intelligence heads of the United States, Egypt, and Israel, along with Qatar’s Prime Minister, are underway in Paris regarding the ceasefire. According to CNN reports, after these discussions, Hamas has softened its stance on the complete return of Israeli forces, a significant obstacle to a ceasefire. The resolution of this major barrier has reignited hopes for a ceasefire agreement.
Ceasefire Structure
The proposed ceasefire agreement is expected to be implemented in multiple phases, with both Israel and Hamas committing to releasing prisoners. Hamas is expected to release 40 Israeli captives, while Israel will reciprocate by releasing several Palestinian detainees. Additionally, some Palestinians are expected to be allowed to return to Northern Gaza, accompanied by an increase in humanitarian aid.
It is important to note that neither Hamas nor Israel has officially released statements regarding the ceasefire. However, there are indications from unofficial sources that both parties are making progress towards reaching an agreement.
Hamas’ Previous Stance
Initially, Hamas rejected the idea of a ceasefire, demanding a complete cessation of hostilities and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. However, recent developments suggest a potential shift in Hamas’ position, as it considers agreeing to a temporary truce.
Gaza currently holds around 100 Israeli captives, according to Hamas, while Israel claims that 134 of its citizens are in Hamas custody. The exact number and status of prisoners remain subjects of negotiation.
The situation is fluid, and the international community is closely monitoring developments in the Israel-Hamas conflict. President Biden’s hopeful statement and the ongoing negotiations suggest a possible turning point in the efforts to bring peace to the region. The world waits to see if the ceasefire will materialize and provide much-needed relief to the affected populations.