Gaza Ceasefire deal closer than before

Israeli and Palestinian officials have stated gaps between Israel and Hamas over a Gaza ceasefire have narrowed, according to Arab News and Reuters on December 23, 2024. Despite this, some crucial differences on either side have yet to be resolved.

A new bid, introduced by mediators Egypt, Qatar and the United States to end the fighting and release Israeli and foreign hostages has been openly discussed throughout December 2024.

READ:Gaza mediators seek to halt war

A Palestinian official stated while a few sticking points have been resolved, some of the Palestinian prisoners to be released by Israel in return for hostages has yet to be agreed, as well as the deployment of Israeli troops in Gaza.

The Israeli diaspora minister, Amichai Chikli, has also stated both issues are still being negotiated. Regardless of this, he has suggested they are far closer to reaching an agreement than they have been thus far.

According to Chikli,“This ceasefire can last six months or it can last 10 years, it depends on the dynamics that will form on the ground,”

The length of a ceasefire has remained a recurring sticking point throughout many rounds of unsuccessful negotiations. Hamas wants an end to the war, while on the other hand, Israel demands the ending of Hamas` power over Gaza first.

According to Palestinian officials “The issue of ending the war completely hasn’t yet been resolved.”

Israeli minister Zeev Elkin, told Israel’s Army Radio that the aim is to find an agreed framework that would resolve that difference, requiring a second stage of the ceasefire deal.

Chikli stated a first stage to the agreement would be a humanitarian phase, lasting 42 days and including the release of hostages and prisoners.

Arab News, Reuters