Protesters hold placards of Israeli child hostages outside the Tel Aviv offices of Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), in Tel Aviv, Israel, November 20, 2023. REUTERS/Joseph CampbellĀ
In the latest developments on Tuesday, the leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, conveyed that a truce agreement with Israel was imminent. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also expressed optimism about potential good news regarding hostages. These positive signals mark the most hopeful signs so far of a potential deal to temporarily halt the conflict in Gaza and release captives.
Hamas officials, in close proximity to finalizing a truce, have submitted their response to Qatari mediators, as stated by Haniyeh. Netanyahu acknowledged progress, refraining from divulging detailed information but expressing hope for positive developments soon.
U.S. President Joe Biden, providing an update on the situation, stated that an agreement to release some of the 200 hostages held by Hamas was very close. Biden emphasized ongoing efforts in the region and cautioned against premature disclosure of details.
Netanyahu convened his war cabinet amidst indications of an agreement to free a portion of the 240 hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 cross-border raid into Israel, a catalyst for the ongoing conflict.
According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the tentative deal involves Hamas releasing 50 women and children, including some foreigners, while Israel would release 150 Palestinian prisoners, primarily women and minors, during a proposed four-day ceasefire. A U.S. official, briefed on the Qatar-mediated discussions, corroborated these figures and emphasized that the deal is still pending finalization.
The potential truce would mark the first in the six-week-old war and the initial mass release of individuals held by both sides. The October 7 incursion by Hamas into Israeli communities resulted in 1,200 casualties, according to Israeli counts. In the subsequent Israeli military actions in Gaza, Hamas reports at least 13,300 confirmed Palestinian casualties, including 5,600 children.
A Hamas official, Issat el Reshiq, outlined that ongoing negotiations focus on the duration of the truce, aid delivery to Gaza, and details of the captive exchange. The release of women and children by both sides is anticipated, with Qatar expected to announce the specifics.
Reports from Israeli TV stations suggested that terms of the deal could be reached within hours. Mirjana Spoljaric, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, met with Haniyeh in Qatar to address humanitarian issues related to the conflict.
Despite these diplomatic developments, the dire conditions in Gaza persist, exacerbated by rain and cold weather. The Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza faced Israeli bombing, resulting in at least 20 Palestinian casualties. The displaced population, now homeless, continues to endure challenging conditions, with concerns about the safety of those remaining in northern Gaza.
The complex situation reflects the intricacies of the ongoing conflict, with diplomatic efforts aiming to achieve a breakthrough in the form of a truce and a significant release of hostages.
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