The White House announced that negotiations on a truce between Israel and Hamas could be concluded this week, accompanied by the release of hostages. “We are close to an agreement and we can achieve it this week,” declared Jake Sullivan, national security adviser, while specifying that he did not want to “make any promises or predictions”.
American President Joe Biden, who is preparing to give way to Donald Trump, affirmed that an agreement “about to be concluded” is based on an American proposal formulated several months ago. “Significant progress on the last blocking points has been made,” confirmed a source close to the negotiations.
Discussion between Qatar, the United States and Egypt
The discussions, orchestrated by Qatar, the United States and Egypt, aim to free 94 hostages still held in Gaza and to conclude a ceasefire. This intensification comes in a context of Israeli bombings on Gaza, where Monday’s strikes caused more than 50 deaths, according to local emergency services. The Israeli army said it was investigating this information, while announcing the loss of five soldiers during fighting in the north of the territory.
A senior Palestinian official close to Hamas also highlighted “significant progress”, referring to the finalization of a draft agreement which would include the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, as well as the transport humanitarian aid to Gaza. For his part, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar affirmed that “negotiations are progressing” and that Israel is “working hard to reach an agreement”.
Dissonant voices in Israel
However, some voices within the Israeli government, notably that of far-right minister Bezalel Smotrich, strongly oppose any truce. “I will not support a surrender agreement that would include the release of hyper-terrorists, an end to the war and the loss of what was gained through much bloodshed,” he said.
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Israeli observers remain optimistic, believing that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could complete the negotiations, despite pressure from his right wing. As for Donald Trump, who will take office in a week, he warned that the region would experience “hell” if the hostages were not released before he came to power.
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