US President Joe Biden’s optimism for a ceasefire deal in Gaza later this week has hit a roadblock as officials from Israel, Hamas, and Qatar have distanced themselves from his comments.
Despite ongoing meetings, disagreements persist over numbers, proportions, and troop movements, according to Majed Al-Ansari, a spokesman for the Qatari Foreign Ministry. This likely pertains to the number of hostages to be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and the withdrawal of Israeli soldiers from Gaza.
CNN reported that Hamas had softened some demands in negotiations, bringing the parties closer to an initial agreement that could halt the fighting and free a group of Israeli hostages. Sources suggest a possible six-week ceasefire involving the exchange of 40 Israeli hostages for 400 Palestinian prisoners.
An Israeli official confirmed the hope that about 40 hostages, including female soldiers, would be released in the first phase of the deal. Talks involving the US, Egypt, Israel, and Qatar could result in a multi-phased agreement, with initial releases followed by negotiations on more sensitive issues.
The potential truce aims to address the release of male Israeli soldiers, Palestinian prisoners with longer sentences, IDF withdrawal, and a permanent end to the conflict. The path forward involves navigating these challenges and ensuring a lasting peace in the region.