Differences between Israel and “Hamas“ over a possible Gaza ceasefire have narrowed, although significant progress remains on key issues, Israeli and Palestinian sources said. This comes after a new proposal by mediators Egypt, Qatar and the United States has gained support this month, although there has been no breakthrough in the talks, “Reuters” and News.bg.
According to a Palestinian official familiar with the negotiations, despite the resolution of some disputes, there are still uncertainties regarding the identity of Palestinian prisoners to be released by Israel, as well as the location of Israeli troops in Gaza.
These comments coincide with the words of Israeli Minister of Diaspora Amichai Chikli, who stressed that these issues are still being negotiated. However, he noted that the parties are much closer to an agreement than they were in recent months.
“This ceasefire could last from six months to ten years, depending on the situation on the ground“, Chikli commented to Israeli radio Kan. According to him, much will depend on which forces will have control over Gaza after the fighting ends.
The duration of the ceasefire has proven to be a major obstacle in previous rounds of negotiations. „Hamas“ wants a complete end to the war, while Israel insists on first ending „Hamas“ rule in Gaza.
„The issue of a final end to the war has not yet been resolved,“ Palestinian sources confirmed.
Israeli Minister Ze'ev Elkin said efforts were focused on finding a common framework to resolve this issue within the second phase of the ceasefire agreement.
Chikli explained that the first phase would be humanitarian and would last 42 days, including the release of hostages.
The war begins on October 7, 2023, when „Hamas“ attacks southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli authorities.
Since then, Israel's military operation against "Hamas" in Gaza has killed more than 45,200 Palestinians, according to Palestinian health officials. Many of Gaza's 2.3 million people have been displaced, and much of the region has been devastated.
On December 23, Israeli strikes killed at least 11 Palestinians, local media reported.
One of the few functioning hospitals in Gaza, located in the north, sought emergency assistance after being hit by Israeli fire.
"We are facing a daily threat," said Hussam Abu Safia, director of the "Kamal Adwan" hospital. “The shelling is coming from all directions and is hitting the building, departments and staff.“
The Israeli military has not commented on the specific incident, but said on Sunday it was providing food and fuel to the hospital and helping evacuate patients and staff to safer areas.
The Palestinians accuse Israel of aiming to depopulate northern Gaza and create a buffer zone, an accusation Israel denies.
Israel says the operation in three northern Gaza districts - Beit Lahiya, Beit Hanoun and Jabaliya - is targeting Hamas militants.
Meanwhile, on Monday, Tom Fletcher, the UN's humanitarian chief, said that efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to northern Gaza were being severely hampered by Israeli military action.
“Northern Gaza has been under almost complete siege for more than two months,“ he said. “Southern Gaza is extremely overcrowded, leading to catastrophic living conditions and extremely high humanitarian needs, especially as winter approaches.“