US President Joe Biden announced on Friday that a ceasefire deal in the Gaza war is closer than ever, following Washington's efforts to bridge gaps between Israel and Hamas during talks in Doha. "We are closer than we have ever been," Biden said, AFP reported.
International mediators are working to finalise a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas to end the conflict and secure the release of hostages. Despite recent negotiations, Hamas has rejected Israel's "new conditions," which involve maintaining a military presence in Gaza and controlling the return of displaced Palestinians. Additionally, Israel has demanded veto rights over exchanged prisoners and the option to deport some rather than return them to Gaza.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has underscored the agreement's importance as both a moral and strategic necessity. The United States, Egypt, and Qatar, who are facilitating the talks, plan to reconvene in Cairo next week to address the remaining issues.
Hamas accuses Israel of adding new demands beyond a previously agreed-upon proposal, while Israel contends that Hamas' amendments jeopardise the deal. The proposal aims to address consensus areas and close gaps to ensure a swift resolution.
With the death toll in Gaza surpassing 40,000 and concerns of broader regional conflict, including potential involvement from Iran and Hezbollah, reaching a successful deal is vital for stabilising the situation.
(Inputs From Agencies)
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