Gaza Ceasefire Deal in ‘Closing Stages’: US Official

AFP/APP

Washington:Negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages are nearing completion, according to a US official speaking on Wednesday.

This comes ahead of a scheduled meeting between US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Biden is expected to address some “final gaps” in his discussions with Netanyahu at the White House on Thursday. Despite key elements of the deal, including the fate of the hostages, remaining unresolved, the US official expressed optimism, stating, “We believe it’s in the closing stages and a deal is closeable.”

The official indicated that significant efforts would be made in the coming week to finalize the agreement, describing it as “not only possible but essential and necessary.”

The official downplayed Netanyahu’s recent fiery speech to Congress, which emphasized a pledge for “total victory,” noting that Biden’s talks with Netanyahu would focus more on the practical details of the deal.

Key issues now revolve around how the agreement would be implemented. Although Hamas has softened its demand for a complete Israeli withdrawal, the resolution still depends on negotiations.

The official highlighted that some critical elements of the deal are beyond Israeli control, as the hostages are held by Hamas.

The conflict began with a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, resulting in the deaths of 1,197 people in Israel, mostly civilians, according to AFP’s tally based on official Israeli figures. Of the 251 people taken hostage on that day, 114 are still held in the Gaza Strip, including 42 who are reported dead.

Since the outbreak of the war, over 39,100 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed in the Gaza Strip, according to the health ministry of Hamas-run Gaza.