Mediators from the United States, Qatar, and Egypt have announced a ‘bridging proposal’ that aims to de-escalate regional tensions and end the war in Gaza. The proposal, presented during ceasefire negotiations in Doha, is seen as a step towards implementing a deal that would see the release of Israeli captives and bring relief to the people of Gaza. The talks come amid heightened fears of a regional war following recent violent incidents involving top Hezbollah and Hamas officials.
The plan, which builds on a previous proposal by US President Joe Biden, includes a phased approach to ending the conflict. The first phase involves a six-week pause in fighting to facilitate the release of some captives, followed by a permanent ceasefire and the release of all remaining captives. The agreement also includes provisions for the reconstruction of Gaza, which has been devastated by the war.
While Hamas insists on a deal leading to a permanent ceasefire and complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his commitment to achieving “total victory”. Despite these differences, White House spokesperson John Kirby expressed optimism about the talks in Doha, highlighting the importance of reaching a resolution.
The mediators are set to continue working on the implementation details, including humanitarian provisions and arrangements for hostages and detainees. Both Hamas and Israel have shown some willingness to engage in the process, raising hopes for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The international community is closely monitoring the developments and remains hopeful for a positive outcome that would bring an end to the violence in Gaza.
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