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Decisive hours for truce in Gaza: talks between Israel and Hamas towards an agreement

Agreement close for the release of hostages and the release of Palestinian detainees. The knot of the Philadelphia Corridor remains to be unravelled

The coming hours could be crucial for the future of the Gaza Strip, with Hamas declaring itself ‘very close’ to reaching an agreement with Israel. The agreement would cover a truce, the release of hostages held in the Palestinian enclave for over a year, and the release of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. A source in the Islamist movement told CNN that some knots remain to be solved, including Hamas’ demand for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Philadelphia Corridor, on the Gaza-Egypt border, and the implementation of a permanent ceasefire.

The White House also confirms that the agreement is close. Jake Sullivan, US National Security Advisor, stated that the negotiations could be concluded ‘this week’. However, he added: ‘I make no promises or predictions, but it is within reach’. The process is being mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the US, and at the centre of the talks are sensitive issues such as a buffer zone proposed by Israel along Gaza’s eastern and northern borders.

Ongoing negotiations: prisoner exchange and ceasefire

Israel and Hamas are negotiating the details of the agreement, which envisages, in its first phase, the release of 33 hostages in exchange for the start of a ceasefire and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. According to the Jerusalem Post, the Israeli army will not definitively leave the Strip until the last hostage is released. Subsequent negotiations are expected to involve further prisoner exchanges, with Israel having already sent Hamas a list of Palestinian prisoners, some of whom are serving life sentences.

According to Israeli broadcaster Channel 12, the 33 hostages include women, the elderly and the sick, some in serious health conditions. They include Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, who have been Hamas prisoners for many years. Israeli hospitals are preparing to receive the hostages that will be freed, should the agreement materialise.

An answer by midnight: decision expected from Hamas

According to Axios’ Barak Ravid, Hamas will have to provide a final answer by midnight today. The final decision will rest with Mohammed Sinwar, head of Hamas’ military wing in Gaza. However, Israeli sources report that Hamas has not yet provided an official answer, despite rumours circulating in the media about an alleged acceptance of the agreement.

The eyes of the international community remain focused on these talks, with the hope that an agreement will bring a lasting truce and an end to hostilities in the Gaza Strip.

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