Gaza ceasefire agreement is “closer than ever before”, Blinken

CAIRO – 20 December 2024: US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said that the Gaza ceasefire agreement is now “closer than ever before”.

He added that the US is cooperating with its partners to pressure Hamas to accept an agreement on Gaza, “We reject Israel's occupation of Gaza because it is not in its interest,” Blinken said according to al Qahera news channel.

A renewed attempt to reach an agreement for a ceasefire and release captives held by Hamas in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners has made progress, officials have told media outlets.

On Tuesday, Washington expressed cautious optimism regarding the likelihood of an imminent deal being reached after more than 14 months of Israeli war on the enclave, which has killed tens of thousands of civilians and damaged most of structures.

These positive developments follow reports of indirect negotiations in Qatar, facilitated in conjunction with Egypt and the United States.

A senior Hamas official informed AFP on Tuesday that discussions have progressed to the final stages, with Qatar and Egypt expected to announce the agreement upon the conclusion of negotiations.

Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer refrained from commenting on the proposed deal during a press briefing on Wednesday, emphasizing a preference for silence.

According to the AFP, of the 251 captives taken by Hamas on 7 October 2023, 96 individuals remain in captivity in Gaza, with 34 reportedly dead, according to the Israeli military.

Hamas officials disclosed to AFP that the envisioned agreement involves a ceasefire implementation and the phased release of hostages.

The initial phase, spanning six weeks, would witness the liberation of Israeli civilian hostages and female soldiers in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

Concurrently, Israel would withdraw its forces from strategic locations such as the Philadelphi Corridor and the Netzarim Corridor, gradually allowing displaced residents to return under Israeli army supervision.

Subsequent phases would entail the release of additional Israeli male soldiers in exchange for Palestinian prisoners with long-term sentences, culminating in the formal declaration of the end of the war and the commencement of reconstruction efforts in a territory ravaged by war.

Moreover, reported plans include joint management of the Rafah crossing by the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority in collaboration with Egypt and the European Union, signifying a potential step towards peace and stability in the region.