A ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict appears closer than ever, with Qatar confirming that negotiations are in their “final stages.” The 15-month-long war has devastated Gaza, killing over 46,000 Palestinians and injuring nearly 110,000, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Despite the progress, experts caution that the deal is not yet finalized.
Mediation Efforts Intensify
Qatar, alongside the United States and Egypt, has been mediating the ceasefire talks for months. Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Majed al-Ansari, announced that both parties have received a draft agreement. Major obstacles, he said, have been resolved.
“We believe we are at the closest point ever to having a deal,” al-Ansari stated during a news conference in Doha. He predicted that implementation would begin shortly after the agreement is finalized but urged caution, adding, “Until there is a formal announcement, we should not raise expectations too high.”
Key Details of the Ceasefire Agreement
According to leaked reports, the proposed ceasefire will occur in three stages:
- Initial Prisoner Exchange: Hamas will release 33 Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. For each female soldier released, Israel will free 50 Palestinian prisoners. For other civilian captives, 30 prisoners will be exchanged per person.
- Further Negotiations: Sixteen days after the initial phase, discussions will focus on releasing remaining prisoners.
- Long-term Solutions: The final stage will address governance in Gaza and rebuilding efforts. This includes an Israeli withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor along Gaza’s border with Egypt.
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad group has also joined discussions in Doha, signaling broader participation in the potential agreement.
Concerns Over Lasting Peace
While the ceasefire offers hope, skepticism remains. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held urgent security consultations as discussions intensified. Netanyahu has previously stated that any pause in fighting would not signal an end to military operations, which he insists must meet Israel’s objectives.
This uncertainty leaves many questioning whether the ceasefire will lead to lasting peace or merely a temporary pause. Reports also highlight disagreements over long-term governance in Gaza. The U.S. has proposed an interim administration led by the Palestinian Authority (PA), supported by international forces. However, Israel has rejected this idea.
Read: Progress Toward Israel-Hamas Ceasefire
Violence Continues Amid Talks
Even as ceasefire negotiations progress, violence persists. On Tuesday, Israeli attacks killed at least 38 Palestinians, including two children. Central Gaza’s Deir el-Balah and the Nuseirat Camp were among the hardest-hit areas. The death toll of Palestinian journalists has also risen, with 204 media workers killed since the conflict began.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged the difficulty of defeating Hamas militarily, warning that continued attacks could fuel an enduring insurgency. “Military campaigns alone cannot bring lasting peace,” he said.
The Road Ahead
With hopes for a ceasefire rising, both sides face immense pressure to finalize an agreement. If successful, the deal could bring relief to war-weary Gaza. However, unresolved issues and ongoing violence leave the future uncertain. The world watches as this pivotal moment unfolds, hopeful for an end to one of the region’s most devastating conflicts.
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