Mediators say a deal to halt the devastating 10-month war in Gaza is “on the table”
A potential breakthrough in the ongoing conflict in Gaza has emerged as mediators from the US, Egypt, and Qatar have indicated that a deal to end the 10-month war is within reach. However, the path to peace faces obstacles as Hamas, a key player in the conflict, has refused to participate in the talks scheduled to resume in Doha on Thursday.
A senior Hamas official cited the lack of a clear roadmap for implementing the agreement as the reason for their reluctance to engage in negotiations. The official emphasized the need for a plan based on the proposed deal outlined by US President Joe Biden and accused Israel of introducing new conditions to the agreement.
Despite Hamas’s absence from the upcoming talks, mediators remain hopeful that progress can still be made in resolving the remaining issues. The talks have faced setbacks in the past, including the assassination of Hamas’s political leader and chief negotiator, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran.
The US, Egypt, and Qatar have issued a joint statement urging both Israel and Hamas to resume discussions on a deal that would bring relief to the people of Gaza and secure the release of the remaining hostages. A framework agreement is said to be “on the table”, with only the details of implementation left to finalize.
The potential deal outlined by President Biden includes a ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the exchange of hostages. However, reports have surfaced suggesting that Israel has introduced new conditions to the agreement, leading to further complications in the negotiations.
Despite the challenges, President Biden remains committed to reaching a resolution and averting the possibility of retaliation against Israel by Iran, Hamas’s main supporter. The stakes are high, with the region facing the threat of a wider conflict if a deal is not reached.
As the talks continue, the international community watches closely, hoping for a breakthrough that will bring an end to the violence and suffering in Gaza. The road to peace may be long and difficult, but the possibility of a ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope in a conflict-ridden region.
