January 14th 2025.
The Foreign Ministry of Qatar has announced that the ongoing discussions for a ceasefire in Gaza have made significant progress. Majed Al Ansari, the spokesperson for the ministry, revealed on Tuesday that high-level talks are currently taking place in Doha. He expressed optimism that they are at an advanced stage, possibly even the final stage. However, he cautioned that until an official announcement is made, it is best to not get too excited. Nonetheless, he remains hopeful for a positive outcome.
During the weekly media briefing, Al Ansari stressed that once the agreement is reached, the ceasefire will be implemented immediately. He added that although there is no specific timeline, efforts are being made to finalize the deal. He also reiterated Qatar's stance that the people of Gaza should govern themselves and that the country is open to all viable options that will ensure a suitable and sustainable solution for the Palestinians. This was reported by Xinhua news agency.
According to Israel's Kan TV, the draft agreement being discussed consists of a three-stage plan. The first stage involves a 42-day ceasefire, during which 33 hostages, including women, children, the elderly, and those with health conditions, would be released. The Israeli military would also withdraw from densely populated areas, allowing displaced Gazans to return to their homes in the northern part of the region. Additionally, Israeli forces would vacate the Philadelphi Corridor along the Egyptian border and the Netzarim Corridor, which separates Gaza's north and south.
After the first 16 days of the ceasefire, talks would begin on the subsequent phases, which include delivering much-needed aid to Gaza and releasing a significant number of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. However, despite the efforts of mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, a lasting ceasefire agreement has yet to be reached between Israel and Hamas. This has been the case since the first truce, which lasted only a week between November and December 2023.
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