Doha - Saba:
Negotiations continue in the Qatari capital, Doha, for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, amid cautious optimism in Cairo about the possibility of progress in the coming hours, especially with Eid al-Fitr approaching.
Mediators are seeking to reach a "ceasefire" before the holiday as a precursor to a broader agreement.
Informed sources have reported that delegations from Egypt and Qatar are engaged in talks to reach a temporary ceasefire in the Gaza Strip before Eid al-Fitr.
The sources stated that Hamas has responded to proposals regarding the possibility of reaching a temporary ceasefire agreement.
Reports indicated that the two delegations have met multiple times with the Hamas delegation in Doha to discuss a new proposal, which calls for the release of five Israeli prisoners in exchange for the release of a number of Palestinian prisoners and a 50-day ceasefire.
According to the sources, the Israeli position is the main obstacle to the progress of the talks, as it prevents the reaching of a humanitarian ceasefire that would allow aid to enter the Gaza Strip. However, despite the stalemate, there is cautious optimism in Cairo regarding the possibility of progress in the coming hours.
The sources confirm that Cairo is working to expedite the negotiation process by offering "realistic proposals that have the support of the U.S. and Qatar," and is striving to "overcome the obstacles" placed by Israel, particularly concerning the mechanism for delivering humanitarian aid and the release of Palestinian prisoners. The sources point out that the Israeli government continues to maneuver by setting unrealistic conditions, which delay reaching an agreement.
According to sources familiar with the negotiation process, the Egyptian proposal includes "a temporary ceasefire for about 50 days in exchange for the release of five Israeli prisoners, the release of a number of Palestinian prisoners, and the activation of a mechanism to deliver sufficient humanitarian aid, including food, medicine, and essential supplies to assist civilians."
Although Hamas has not yet officially announced its final position on this proposal, the movement, according to leaks, "has expressed its readiness to respond positively to the Egyptian proposals, which include the release of Israeli-American prisoner Aidan Alexander, in response to the U.S. request, provided that guarantees are in place for the implementation of the second phase related to the complete cessation of the war, which Egypt deems impossible without real U.S. pressure, which is currently lacking."
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