A potential ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, aimed at securing the release of hostages, is anticipated in the coming week. Officials from the Israel Defence Ministry have disclosed that high-level discussions are underway, and an agreement leading to the release of women, elderly, and ill Israeli hostages held by Hamas is imminent.
Hamas has consistently insisted on a complete withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for the next ceasefire, a condition that Israel has adamantly rejected. Mediation efforts, conducted in various rounds by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States in Doha, Cairo, and Paris, appear to be yielding positive outcomes.
Sources within the Israel Defense Ministry informed IANS that Israel has consented to releasing a significant number of Palestinians who have been detained in Israel, in exchange for the hostages currently held by Hamas. Following the release of women, sick, and elderly civilians in Hamas custody, a subsequent batch of hostages is expected to be freed, including women Israeli soldiers held by Hamas.
The recent mediatory talks in Paris, attended by CIA Chief William Burns and Mossad Chief David Burnea, addressed certain issues related to the ceasefire. Talks with Qatari and Egyptian mediators contributed to the potential agreement.
It has been clarified by sources that a one-month ceasefire may be declared, but Israel has not agreed to allow the safe passage of top Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed Deif from Gaza to either Qatar or Turkey. Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has explicitly stated that the Israeli army intends to locate and eliminate Sinwar from his hiding place.
(With Agency Inputs)
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