Significant Progress in Ceasefire Talks between Israel and Hamas
U.S. and Arab mediators report major advancements in negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release before Trump's inauguration.
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Summary
U.S. President Biden, alongside Israeli PM Netanyahu, is undertaking intense negotiations with Hamas for a ceasefire and hostage release as Jan. 20 nears. Recent mediation efforts have shown progress towards a phased agreement, including humanitarian provisions and military withdrawals. However, contentious points remain, particularly around the details of the hostage exchange and ongoing military presence. With over 46,000 Palestinians killed, fears grow for the hostages' safety amidst intensified fighting. The negotiations also factor in political pressures from the incoming Trump administration, shaping the urgency for resolution.
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From the Left
Hamas is reportedly close to a ceasefire agreement with Israel that would involve hostages being exchanged for Palestinian prisoners, as stated by both US and Israeli officials, highlighting a significant shift in negotiations recently.
The fatigue and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over 46,000 people have reportedly died due to Israeli military actions, underpins the urgent need for a ceasefire; local residents express skepticism about negotiations being genuine.
Despite reported progress, fundamental disagreements remain, particularly regarding Israeli military presence and the extent of territory Israel plans to withdraw from, which Hamas insists must be substantial for a ceasefire to hold.
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From the Right
President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu are collaborating intensively on negotiations that may allow for a phased approach to ceasefire and hostage release, amid pressure from the incoming Trump administration.
Despite some agreement on halting hostilities in exchange for hostages, Netanyahu is committed only to partial terms, advocating for Israel's interests in a way that prioritizes national security over concessions to Hamas.
Concerns voiced by Israeli officials, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, highlight a deep skepticism towards the ongoing negotiations, asserting that any deal perceived as a surrender could destabilize Israel's national security.
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Highlights (12)
Ceasefire talks have stalled repeatedly even when officials have expressed optimism about so-called breakthroughs.
Israel-Gaza war live: progress made in talks for a ceasefire, says Hamas
The Guardian
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For all these reasons, now is seen as the best chance in months to bridge the gaps between Israel and Hamas and bring an end to the war.
Gaza ceasefire hopes rise as pressure grows on Hamas and Israel
BBC News
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The coming days will be crucial for ending more than 15 months of fighting, which has significantly destabilized the Middle East.
Officials report breakthrough in Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks
Newsweek
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A deal could weaken Netanyahu’s coalition, which includes two far-right factions that have threatened to leave the government if Israel makes too many concessions.
Progress made in talks over Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage release, officials say
Boston Globe
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Despite intense mediation by the United States, Qatar and Egypt, the talks have repeatedly stalled over several key issues including the details of the exchange, whether the ceasefire would be permanent and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.
What have the main obstacles been to a ceasefire deal in Gaza and the release of Israel's hostages?
CBS News
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Optimism continued to build within the Biden administration over recent progress in the monthslong talks.
Ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas make 'very real' progress
NBC News
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But a deal hasn’t been reached yet, and there are a number of obstacles that could still scupper the talks in Qatar.
Middle East latest: Gaza ceasefire talks press on in Qatar
Associated Press
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A deal could weaken Netanyahu’s coalition, which includes two far-right factions that have threatened to leave the government if Israel makes too many concessions.
Progress Made In Talks Over Israel-Hamas Ceasefire And Hostage Release, Officials Say
HuffPost
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Biden has stressed the immediate need for the ceasefire and return of the hostages with a surge in humanitarian aid.
Biden calls for immediate ceasefire in call with Israel's Netanyahu
FOX News
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The optimistic tone was tempered though by Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who said Monday that the potential ceasefire-hostage deal would be a “catastrophe” for Israel’s national security.
Hamas ‘very close to an agreement’ with Israel while key sticking points remain, official says
CNN
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But the talks have repeatedly stalled over several key issues. They include details of the exchange, whether the ceasefire would be permanent and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.
Middle East Latest: Gaza Ceasefire Talks Press on in Qatar
Newsmax
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Since then, more than 46,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to Palestinian health officials, with much of the enclave laid to waste and gripped by a humanitarian crisis, and most of its population displaced.
Biden spoke with Netanyahu as US officials race to reach hostage, cease-fire deal
USA TODAY
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