Gaza truce possible in one or two weeks: Israeli official
The Reuters news agency is reporting that a senior Israeli official has tamped down expectations that a deal could be possible before Netanyahu leaves Washington, DC, later today.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Israel and Hamas may be able to reach a Gaza ceasefire and captives-release deal within one or two weeks but such an agreement is not likely to be secured in just a day’s time.
The official said if the two sides agree to a proposed 60-day ceasefire, Israel would use that time to offer a permanent ceasefire that would require Hamas to disarm. If Hamas refuses to disarm, Israel will “proceed” with military operations in Gaza, the official said.
Trump had previously predicted that a deal could be reached this week, but on Wednesday, he appeared to extend the timeframe somewhat, telling reporters that while an agreement was “very close”, it could happen this week or even next – though “not definitely”.
No truce / end of war then, Hamas isn't going to disarm while the occupation continues. The world will have to stop the genocide, the US isn't going to do it.
Conflicting messages from US, Hamas about status of ceasefire talks
In his most recent remarks, US President Donald Trump sounded optimistic about a potential ceasefire – but not nearly as adamant as he had been about demanding one as he was before Benjamin Netanyahu came to Washington.
We’re hearing from Trump’s aides that the negotiations are down to one issue. But Hamas says that’s misinformation.
They say they still need to agree on key points, like if the 10 captives are released, will they have guarantees the ceasefire will continue past 60 days if negotiations are taking place, where the Israeli troops will withdraw from, and who will handle aid distribution? So, from Hamas’s perspective, there’s still a lot on the table.
We’re also hearing from the Israeli prime minister, who was asked by a reporter about a recent Israeli proposal that has raised fears of Palestinians being forced from their land.
He replied that it was a matter of freedom of choice, saying that Palestinians should be given the choice to leave Gaza if they want to – without any acknowledgement of the way Israeli restrictions on people in Gaza impact pretty much every aspect of their lives.
He instead accused Hamas of holding a gun to their head and making them stay in Gaza.
