As negotiations between Israel and Hamas continue in Qatar, there is growing optimism for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza by next Monday. US President Joe Biden expressed hope for a ceasefire to start within days, with his national security adviser indicating that they are close to reaching an agreement.
The presence of both sides in Qatar for proximity talks, meeting separately with mediators but in the same city, suggests progress in negotiations.
Despite ongoing tensions and differences in positions, both Israel and Hamas have shown willingness to engage in discussions. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh expressed his group’s commitment to finding an end to the war, accusing Israel of stalling negotiations while Gazans suffer.
Biden On Gaza Ceasefire (Credits: Oneindia)
On the Israeli side, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu stated that Israel is ready for a deal but emphasized that it depends on Hamas to drop what he described as unreasonable demands.
The role of Qatar in mediating these talks is significant, with the Qatari government personally involved in the negotiations. However, there are concerns about Qatar’s neutrality, with some criticizing its involvement and alleging bias in favor of Hamas.
Nonetheless, Qatar continues its efforts to broker a ceasefire agreement, with discussions focusing on securing the release of hostages and ending the conflict.
Meanwhile, there is pressure on Israel to agree to a truce to prevent a potential assault on Rafah, a city in southern Gaza where many civilians are seeking shelter. The United States, Israel’s main ally, is urging for a swift resolution to avoid further escalation and civilian casualties.
Despite this pressure, Netanyahu indicated that Israel remains prepared for military action if necessary, including the possibility of an assault on Rafah.
Overall, the momentum behind the talks has increased, with discussions progressing since the recent meetings in Paris involving Israeli officials and delegations from the United States, Egypt, and Qatar.
As negotiations continue, there is hope that a ceasefire agreement can be reached to bring an end to the violence and alleviate the suffering of civilians in Gaza.
