In a recent joint press conference in Bratislava, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar confirmed that a lasting ceasefire in Gaza may be within reach if a temporary truce is achieved with Hamas. Sa'ar emphasized, "Israel is serious in its bid to reach a hostage deal and a ceasefire in Gaza," underscoring efforts toward negotiating the terms of a potential 60-day pause that involves critical hostage exchanges.
An Israeli delegation in Doha, Qatar is engaged in indirect talks with Hamas, aiming to secure the release of 10 living hostages and the return of remains of several others. At the same time, meetings in Washington between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump have further highlighted the focus on hostage negotiations, even though a breakthrough has yet to be announced.
Since the conflict escalated on October 7, 2023, following a surprise Hamas attack that left around 1,200 people dead and 250 hostages taken, the situation has intensified. Reports from Gaza indicate that at least 57,000 people have lost their lives and about 70% of the territory’s buildings and infrastructure have been devastated, leading to severe humanitarian challenges. Amid these challenges, the momentum of these talks offers a glimmer of hope for a more stable future. Stay tuned as this high-stakes saga unfolds! 🤝✨
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Israel says permanent Gaza ceasefire hinges on reaching temporary deal
cgtn.com
