Intensive discussions are currently underway in Doha, Cairo, and Washington, aiming to broker a two-month ceasefire between Israel and Hamas for the release of hostages. Reports from Arab and Qatari media suggest that Hamas is pushing for a permanent truce in exchange for the release of hostages. However, sources from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office informed IANS that Israel is not agreeing to such a permanent truce.
As per previous reports by IANS, the ongoing mediations began on December 28. While Israel may consider a one-month ceasefire, it could be contingent on a phased release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. The proposed agreement would involve releasing hostages gradually, starting from civilians to soldiers and reservists held by Hamas.
Hamas is additionally seeking Israel's approval for the relocation of top leaders, including Mohammed Deif and Yahya Sinwar, to other countries. Thus far, Israel has not agreed to this request. The Israeli government is under increasing pressure domestically, with the families of hostages intensifying protests within the country and abroad, urging the release of prisoners.
Former Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal has rejected the proposed two-nation theory for Israel and Palestine. In an interview with Arabic media, Mashaal asserted that, following the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas, the idea of liberating Palestine from the 'river to the sea' is a realistic one. The aspirations of Hamas and other Palestinian movements extend to liberating the land from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea, encompassing the West Bank, Gaza, and the entirety of Israel.
As the mediation talks reach their peak, the possibility of a one-month ceasefire to the ongoing conflict seems likely.
(With Agency Inputs)
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