‘Extensive’ Egyptian-Qatari efforts for Gaza ceasefire: Report
Egypt’s state-affiliated Al-Qahera news is reporting that mediators Egypt and Qatar are making “extensive” efforts with all parties to reach a ceasefire in Gaza.
Any deal would be the first pause in fighting since a weeklong ceasefire in November last year, during which Hamas freed about half of the captives held in Gaza and Israel released 240 Palestinians it was holding in its jails.
Since then, all efforts to reach a new truce have foundered.
Hamas says Gaza ceasefire deal possible if Israel stops setting new conditions
Hamas has said in a statement reaching a Gaza ceasefire agreement and prisoner exchange is possible if Israel stops setting new conditions. In its statement, the group describes the ceasefire talks held in Doha today as serious and positive.
It comes after sources briefed on meetings related to the ceasefire talks told Reuters that a deal was expected to be signed in the coming days.
White House says it believes ‘getting closer’ to Gaza ceasefire deal
There are also some comments now by the White House in the US about the efforts to reach a ceasefire deal in Gaza.
“We believe – and the Israelis have said this – that we’re getting closer, and no doubt about it, we believe that, but we also are cautious in our optimism,” spokesperson John Kirby said in an interview with Fox News.
“We’ve been in this position before where we weren’t able to get it over the finish line.”
Essay Pro