US, Qatar, Egypt working on ceasefire and captive swap deal as death toll in Gaza rises
The United States, along with mediators from Qatar and Egypt, is actively working to secure a ceasefire in Israel’s war on Gaza, where over 40,000 Palestinians have lost their lives since last October. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is currently in Israel as part of these efforts, hoping to close the gaps between Israel and Hamas.
Recent negotiations in Doha aimed at presenting a bridging ceasefire proposal to both sides have shown some progress, prompting hopes for a potential deal. However, Hamas remains skeptical, demanding the implementation of a plan outlined by Biden in May without any new conditions from Israel.
Among the challenges are Israel’s additional conditions since a UN resolution in May, which include maintaining a presence in the Philadelphi Corridor and establishing checkpoints. These terms have delayed the negotiation process, with experts and analysts sharing doubts about the deal’s success.
The ongoing talks also focus on the release of captives and Palestinian prisoners, with regional tensions increasing following Iran’s pledge to retaliate against Israel for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Despite these challenges, efforts to secure a ceasefire and exchange deal continue amidst a backdrop of escalating violence and casualties in Gaza.
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