Ceasefire Discussions in Gaza Reconvene – Hamas
Negotiations have resumed, and according to a senior official from Hamas, Israel and the militant group could be on the path to reaching a ceasefire deal. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
A senior official from Hamas has indicated that a resolution to the 14-month conflict with Israel may be imminent, as international mediators have re-engaged in discussions aimed at ending the violence in Gaza.
Bassem Naim, the official, shared with the Associated Press that Qatari mediation efforts had stalled in November due to frustrations over slow progress and the perception that both sides were not negotiating in good faith. However, recent days have seen a "reactivation" of efforts focused on ceasing hostilities, releasing hostages taken from Gaza, and addressing the status of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. Naim expressed optimism, stating that a deal to conclude the hostilities could be close.
“I think it is not a big challenge to reach a deal… if there are intentions on the other side,” he noted, while also pointing out that no “solid, well-formed” new ceasefire proposal has been put forth to Hamas yet.
Another official, who requested anonymity, confirmed that Qatari mediators were back at the negotiating table. In a related interview with Sky News, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani stated that efforts are underway to secure a ceasefire prior to the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump on January 20.
Previous negotiations between Hamas and Israel have centered on a multi-phased ceasefire proposal. The initial phase would involve a six-week suspension of hostilities, during which female, elderly, and sick hostages could be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners. Concurrently, Israel would reduce some military presence, allowing displaced Palestinians to return.
Subsequent phases would involve the full withdrawal of Israeli forces, the release of remaining hostages, and discussions on a permanent resolution to the conflict. The final phase would focus on rebuilding affected areas.
Since the outbreak of hostilities between Hamas and Israel 14 months ago, over 44,000 Palestinians have reportedly died in Gaza. The escalation was triggered by a surprise attack from Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli fatalities. Hamas has since taken more than 250 hostages, with around 100 believed to still be held in Gaza.
Recently, sources quoted by Reuters indicated that Trump’s incoming Middle East envoy had visited Qatar and Israel to initiate diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire and a potential hostage release deal ahead of the inauguration. Naim expressed his belief that the incoming US administration could “affect the situation positively,” especially since Trump, a firm supporter of Israel, had included efforts to halt wars in the region as part of his campaign.
Allen M Lee contributed to this report for TROIB News
Bassem Naim, the official, shared with the Associated Press that Qatari mediation efforts had stalled in November due to frustrations over slow progress and the perception that both sides were not negotiating in good faith. However, recent days have seen a "reactivation" of efforts focused on ceasing hostilities, releasing hostages taken from Gaza, and addressing the status of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. Naim expressed optimism, stating that a deal to conclude the hostilities could be close.
“I think it is not a big challenge to reach a deal… if there are intentions on the other side,” he noted, while also pointing out that no “solid, well-formed” new ceasefire proposal has been put forth to Hamas yet.
Another official, who requested anonymity, confirmed that Qatari mediators were back at the negotiating table. In a related interview with Sky News, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani stated that efforts are underway to secure a ceasefire prior to the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump on January 20.
Previous negotiations between Hamas and Israel have centered on a multi-phased ceasefire proposal. The initial phase would involve a six-week suspension of hostilities, during which female, elderly, and sick hostages could be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners. Concurrently, Israel would reduce some military presence, allowing displaced Palestinians to return.
Subsequent phases would involve the full withdrawal of Israeli forces, the release of remaining hostages, and discussions on a permanent resolution to the conflict. The final phase would focus on rebuilding affected areas.
Since the outbreak of hostilities between Hamas and Israel 14 months ago, over 44,000 Palestinians have reportedly died in Gaza. The escalation was triggered by a surprise attack from Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli fatalities. Hamas has since taken more than 250 hostages, with around 100 believed to still be held in Gaza.
Recently, sources quoted by Reuters indicated that Trump’s incoming Middle East envoy had visited Qatar and Israel to initiate diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire and a potential hostage release deal ahead of the inauguration. Naim expressed his belief that the incoming US administration could “affect the situation positively,” especially since Trump, a firm supporter of Israel, had included efforts to halt wars in the region as part of his campaign.
Allen M Lee contributed to this report for TROIB News
