Hamas has accepted Qatar's proposal for a truce in Gaza, which is based on the terms of a previous agreement made with Israel.
In a significant development, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, along with the United States, have been actively involved in mediating frequent rounds of shuttle diplomacy to bring about a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza. The current situation, according to Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansani, is a "very defining humanitarian moment."
The governments of Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey have been hosting indirect talks and proposing new ceasefire plans, which include hostage exchanges and Israeli troop withdrawals. The latest draft has received a "very positive response" from Hamas, as Al-Ansani revealed. However, Israel has yet to respond to this latest draft, a fact noted by Al-Ansari.
The current round of negotiations has resulted in two short truces during which Israeli hostages were released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Egypt has stated that the ball is now in Israel's court regarding the ceasefire proposal. The Israeli government, firm on the condition of releasing all hostages in any future Gaza ceasefire deal, is awaiting an official response to the proposed ceasefire plan.
Al-Ansani expressed hope for a quick and positive response from Israel, but warned that failure to reach a deal could worsen the crisis. The crisis could indeed worsen if the proposed ceasefire fails, a sentiment echoed by Al-Ansani.
Qatar, Egypt, and global players, including the US, are doing their utmost to reach a ceasefire. Al-Ansani declined to discuss whether the current text differs from an earlier proposal by US envoy Steve Witkoff, citing the sensitivity of ongoing negotiations.
Mediators are awaiting an official Israeli response to the proposed ceasefire plan. Egypt and Qatar sent the new ceasefire proposal to Israel, with Israel now having the responsibility to respond. The hope is that this latest effort will lead to a lasting peace and an end to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza.
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