Breaking: Hopeful Gaza Ceasefire-for-Hostage Deal Nears Historic Agreement, Says Israel’s Defence Minister

Gaza Ceasefire-for-Hostage Deal Nearing Conclusion: Israeli Defence Minister

Jerusalem: Israeli Defence Minister, Israel Katz, announced that negotiations with Hamas are advancing towards a ceasefire-for-hostage exchange agreement, indicating that the process is further along than ever before. Addressing the Israeli parliament’s Security Committee, Katz acknowledged, “We are the closest we’ve been to a hostage deal since the previous agreement.” This reference was to a November-December 2023 deal that resulted in the release of 81 Israeli hostages in exchange for a short-lived truce and the release of 240 Palestinian prisoners.

Katz mentioned that geographic divisions, like the Philadelphi Corridor bordering the southern Gaza Strip and Egypt, and the Netzarim Corridor, which splits Gaza into northern and southern sectors, will not impede the fruition of the agreement. He confidently predicted the deal would gain robust backing within Israel’s Cabinet and government. Nonetheless, members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right coalition, whose opposition is notable, have resisted Israeli withdrawal from Gaza—a pivotal condition set by Hamas.

The ongoing negotiations, facilitated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, have been in progress for over a year but have been hampered by Netanyahu’s insistence on maintaining military control in the critical corridors and a broader refusal to terminate conflicts definitively. Katz confirmed that the proposed agreement includes multiple stages, though he didn’t divulge specific strategies or timelines.

Earlier insights from a senior Hamas official to Saudi channel Asharq News echoed Katz’s optimism, revealing potential leniency on Hamas’ part. The official emphasized a phased de-escalation and withdrawal, urging the US to exert influence on Netanyahu for an expedited resolution. Both sides express hope as they draw nearer to finalizing a deal that could alter the longstanding hostilities in the region.

Original Source: https://www.india.com/news/world/gaza-ceasefire-for-hostage-deal-closer-than-ever-says-israels-defence-minister-7470456/
Category : World,Gaza ceasefire,Hamas,Israel
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Publish Date: 2024-12-17 01:18:00