The United States and Arab mediators sought Wednesday to reach a deal between Israel and Hamas to end the war in the Gaza Strip, which has left more than 45,000 dead, according to the Health Ministry. of Hamas. What do we know about these discussions?
Recent discussions revive hopes of an agreement between Israel and Hamas on a ceasefire and a release of hostages in Gaza, perhaps before Donald Trump arrives at the White House, despite the persistence of blocking points.
Reasons for optimism
Several diplomats tell AFP that the recent threats by the American president-elect in the event that all the hostages held in Gaza are not released before his return to power on January 20 have had an effect.
“The ongoing negotiations have resolved most of the points of disagreement,” a Hamas official told AFP on Wednesday, December 18, referring to a “finalization of details” in Qatar.
During the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, 251 people were taken hostage. Of this total, 96 remain detained in Gaza, 34 of whom were declared dead by the army.
Hamas officials spoke, during interviews with AFP, of an agreement which would take place in three stages, as had already been previously discussed.
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