CAIRO/GAZA/JERUSALEM. Momentum is building towards securing a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza. This development follows a revised proposal by Hamas and Israel’s decision to restart stalled negotiations.
On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed U.S. President Joe Biden that a delegation would be sent to resume talks. An Israeli official stated that the team would be led by the head of the Mossad intelligence agency.
An anonymous source from Israel’s negotiating team noted, “There is now a real chance of achieving an agreement.” This optimism marks a significant shift from previous positions in the nine-month conflict, where Israel found Hamas’s conditions unacceptable.
A Palestinian official involved in the peace efforts revealed that Hamas’s latest proposal could lead to a framework agreement if Israel is willing to engage. The official stated that Hamas has dropped its demand for an immediate permanent ceasefire as a pre-condition, allowing for negotiations to address this over a six-week initial phase.
“Should the sides need more time to seal an agreement on a permanent ceasefire, the two sides should agree there would be no return to the fighting until they do that,” the official told Reuters.
Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan, quoted by Turkish media, expressed hope for a “final ceasefire” within a few days. He also urged Western nations to pressure Israel into accepting the terms offered.
This development could mark a turning point in the ongoing conflict, fostering hope for peace and stability in the region.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
