Ceasefire Accord in Gaza Nearly Concluded: Source from Palestine
Click to start listening
Gaza, Dec 22 (NationPress) A ceasefire accord in the Gaza Strip is on the brink of completion, as most of its provisions have been agreed upon, revealed a prominent official from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement.
The official, who requested anonymity, indicated that the proposed accord entails a phased halt to hostilities and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip. The final agreement will also encompass a comprehensive prisoner-for-hostage swap and a definitive end to the conflict between Hamas and Israel, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
While some contentious issues remain under negotiation, these are not anticipated to pose significant barriers to achieving a final accord, the official added.
The source expressed hope that the agreement could be finalized before the year's end, provided that Israel refrains from introducing new conditions.
There exists a political commitment from all parties to attain a sustainable resolution to the Gaza conflict, which has been ongoing for over 14 months, according to the official.
The ongoing discussions, facilitated by Egypt and Qatar with the involvement of the US, are predicated on a plan proposed by the US in May to conclude the war, which erupted on October 7, 2023, following Hamas's attack on southern Israel that led to approximately 1,200 fatalities.
Additionally, leaders from three Palestinian factions have concurred that a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip is "closer than ever" if Israel ceases to impose new conditions, as stated by Hamas on Saturday.
These comments followed a meeting in Cairo on Friday among leaders from Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, as detailed in a statement from Hamas.
The three factions assessed the latest developments in ceasefire negotiations and the prisoner-for-hostage exchange agreement, reaffirming their collective dedication to ending the "aggression" against the Palestinian populace, which has endured for over 14 months, the statement noted.
It also mentioned that the delegations discussed the potential establishment of a community support committee to oversee post-war Gaza.
