Qatar Confirms Gaza Ceasefire Talks Near Conclusion
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Synopsis
Qatar's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Majed Al Ansari confirmed that high-level Gaza ceasefire discussions in Doha have progressed significantly. A ceasefire could be implemented immediately upon reaching an agreement, which aims to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza while ensuring local governance.
Key Takeaways
- Ceasefire talks in Doha are advancing.
- Implementation of ceasefire will be immediate post-agreement.
- Qatar emphasizes local governance for Gaza.
- Proposed plan includes stages for hostage release and military withdrawal.
- Negotiations focus on humanitarian aid and prisoner release.
Doha, Jan 14 (NationPress) Qatar's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Majed Al Ansari announced on Tuesday that the ongoing high-level negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza are at a significant point in Doha.
"I can confirm that discussions are taking place at a high level here in Doha as we speak. We believe we are at an advanced stage, potentially even the final stage. However, until there is an official announcement, we should temper our enthusiasm. Nonetheless, we remain optimistic," the spokesperson shared at a weekly media briefing.
He highlighted that the execution of the ceasefire will occur immediately once an agreement is finalized. "We do not have a precise timeline, but efforts are ongoing to complete the deal," he stated.
"Qatar reiterates its stance that Gaza should be managed by its own people. We are open to all practical options that ensure a proper and lasting solution for Palestinians," he added, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
According to Israel's state-owned Kan TV, the proposed agreement under discussion includes a three-phase plan.
The initial phase involves a 42-day ceasefire during which 33 hostages, including women, children, the elderly, and individuals with health issues, would be released.
The Israeli military would withdraw from densely populated regions, facilitating the return of displaced Gazans to their homes in northern Gaza.
Moreover, Israeli forces would leave the Philadelphi Corridor along the Egyptian border and the Netzarim Corridor, which separates northern and southern Gaza.
By the 16th day of the ceasefire, discussions would begin on subsequent phases, which entail the provision of desperately needed aid to Gaza and the release of a considerable number of Palestinian prisoners currently held in Israeli jails, the report indicated.
In recent months, the mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States have been unsuccessful in establishing a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas since the initial truce, which lasted a week between November and December 2023.
