Truce negotiations were in progress in Paris on Friday, representing a significant effort to quell the ongoing conflict in the war-torn Palestinian enclave of Gaza. The talks aim not only to establish a ceasefire but also to secure the release of Israeli and foreign hostages held by Palestinian militants
An unidentified source, privy to the ceasefire negotiations, revealed that discussions commenced with Israel’s Mossad intelligence chief holding separate meetings with representatives from Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.
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Gaza Ceasefire Talks Underway In Paris
“There are budding signs of optimism about being able to move forward toward the start of a serious negotiation,” the source said. Egypt’s Al Qahera TV News also reported that the talks had begun.
A Hamas official stated that the group concluded their ceasefire negotiations in Cairo. Now, they await the outcome of the weekend talks with Israel, as mediated by third parties. The delicate balance of diplomacy and urgency hangs over these discussions, with hopes for progress toward peace in the conflict-stricken region.
Mediators have intensified their efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza, aiming to prevent a potential Israeli assault on the city of Rafah. In this besieged enclave, over a million displaced individuals seek refuge at its southern boundary.
Israel has issued a stern warning that it will launch an attack on the city if a truce agreement is not reached promptly. In response, Washington has urged its close ally to reconsider, emphasizing the potential for significant civilian casualties if an assault on the city proceeds. The delicate balance between military action and humanitarian concerns hangs in the balance, with the world watching closely.
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh recently visited Cairo, where he met with Egyptian Intelligence Chief Abbas Kamel and other officials. During this visit, they discussed crucial matters such as captives and humanitarian ceasefires. Haniyeh emphasized Hamas’s rejection of displacement from Gaza and warned that Israel’s continued targeting of public facilities in the strip could force a large segment of the population to seek urgent humanitarian assistance at the borders.
Egypt and Qatar play significant roles in the issue of prisoners and captives, and there are ongoing mediation efforts to release some foreign prisoners in exchange for a temporary ceasefire lasting two days.
Following his discussions with Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Cairo, Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel is now en route to Paris for crucial talks with the Israelis. These discussions come after Kamel’s recent meetings with Haniyeh and are expected to continue throughout the weekend.
Notably, Israel has maintained silence regarding the Paris talks. The focus remains on finding common ground and potentially reaching a truce amidst ongoing conflict in the region.
According to an unnamed Hamas official, the group did not present any fresh proposals during their discussions with the Egyptians. Instead, they are anticipating the outcomes of the upcoming talks between the mediators and the Israelis. The situation remains delicate, and all eyes are on the negotiations as efforts continue to find a path toward resolution.
“We discussed our proposal with them (the Egyptians) and we are going to wait until they return from Paris,” the Hamas official said.
In early February, during similar talks in Paris, an outline for the first extended ceasefire of the ongoing conflict was crafted. This proposal garnered approval from both Israel and the United States. However, Hamas countered with their own proposal. Unfortunately, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed it as “delusional”.
Hamas, which is still believed to be holding over 100 hostages captured during the October 7 attack on Israel, asserts that it will release them only in exchange for a truce that includes an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. On the other hand, Israel maintains that it will not withdraw until Hamas is completely eradicated. The situation remains tense, and negotiations continue in search of a resolution.
On Thursday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu formally presented his plan for managing Gaza after the war to the security cabinet. This plan, which he has been vocalizing since the beginning of the conflict, emphasizes several key principles. Notably, Israel intends to retain security control over the enclave even after dismantling Hamas. Additionally, Netanyahu asserts that there should be no role for the Palestinian Authority (PA), which is based in the West Bank, within Gaza
Washington indeed advocates for a reformed Palestinian Authority (PA) to play a role in the resolution of the conflict. However, Hamas, according to two Palestinian officials involved in the negotiations, has maintained its position during the latest efforts to broker a deal. Their stance remains consistent: they insist on an Israeli withdrawal as a condition for a truce.
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