US President Joe Biden announced that a deal securing the release of hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza is close to being finalized. Negotiations in Doha, Qatar, involving Israel, Hamas, and US representatives, are reported to be progressing well with both sides nearing agreement on key terms. The deal, if successful, would halt the fighting, provide security for Israel, and allow for a significant surge in humanitarian assistance to Palestinians.
US President Joe Biden said a deal that will secure the release of hostages and achieve a ceasefire in Gaza was on the brink of coming to fruition, adding that his administration was working urgently to close the agreement.
An Israeli official said negotiations were in advanced stages for the release of up to 33 hostages as part of the deal.Biden’s National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters the negotiations were at a “pivotal” point, with gaps between two sides slowly getting removed. “I think there is a good chance we can close this ... the parties are right on the cusp of being able to close this deal,” he said.
Israel’s Kan radio, citing an Israeli official, reported the Israeli delegation had briefed the country’s leaders. Israel, Hamas and the Foreign Ministry of Qatar did not respond to requests for confirmation or comment. The warring sides have agreed for months broadly on the principle of halting the fighting in return for the release of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian detainees held by Israel. But Hamas has always insisted a deal must lead to a permanent end to the war and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, while Israel has said it will not end the war until Hamas is dismantled.
Trump envoy Witkoff has travelled to Qatar and Israel several times since November. He was in Doha on Friday and travelled to Israel to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday before returning to Doha.Biden also spoke on Sunday by phone with Netanyahu, stressing “the immediate need for a ceasefire in Gaza and return of the hostages with a surge in humanitarian aid enabled by a stoppage in the fighting under the deal”, the White House said.
GAZA CEASEFIRE HOSTAGE RELEASE US ISRAEL HAMAS QATAR NEGOTIATIONS BIDEN
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