According to a source on Friday, Qatar achieved a significant milestone in its efforts to mediate a peace agreement between Israel and Hamas, the militant organization that governs the Gaza Strip. Qatar was able to persuade Hamas to agree in principle to resume negotiations on the release of captives and a truce. CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
According to The Guardian, in an effort to end the protracted hostage crisis and reduce tensions in Gaza, Qatari envoys have informed Israel that Hamas is willing to reconvene for talks.
The report, which cited three unnamed Israeli officials, said the deal would involve the release of about 40 hostages still being held by Hamas in Gaza, in exchange for a few weeks of a ceasefire and other conditions.
The hostages encompass women, individuals aged 60 and above, and those in need of immediate medical care, as stated in the report. Among them are individuals held by Hamas for an extended period, including two Israeli civilians and the remains of two Israeli soldiers.
The discussions are set to revolve around a suggestion put forth by David Barnea, the head of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency. This proposal was introduced a few weeks ago in a meeting with Bill Burns, the director of the US Central Intelligence Agency, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abd al-Rahman al-Thani, the Prime Minister of Qatar, according to the report.
The proposal suggested freeing several Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons and temporarily ceasing Israeli military actions in Gaza for a week or two, according to the report.
One of the Israeli officials told Walla that the Qatari message was still very preliminary and did not include any details, but described it as a positive development.
“We have moved from a standstill to a very cold situation,” the official said.
A different Israeli official mentioned that Israel hasn’t received an official proposal from Qatar and is anticipating more details.
Qatar has played a pivotal role in fostering dialogue and providing humanitarian assistance between Israel and Hamas, along with other Palestinian factions, for an extended period. Additionally, Qatar has contributed to the reconstruction efforts in Gaza following multiple conflicts, including the most recent 11-day war in May 2021, which resulted in over 250 casualties in Gaza and 13 in Israel. CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
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