Efforts to finalize a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas were intensified on Wednesday, with mediation led by the United States and Arab diplomats. The 14-month war in Gaza continued, as Israeli airstrikes were reported to have killed at least 20 Palestinians overnight, according to medics.
It was stated by a Palestinian official involved in the negotiations that significant progress had been made on most clauses of the agreement. However, new conditions introduced by Israel were reportedly rejected by Hamas, with further details undisclosed.
In Cairo, sources close to the talks indicated that a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement might be signed in the coming days. This would involve the release of hostages held in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody.
Airstrikes were reported to have caused significant casualties, with at least 10 people killed in a house in Beit Lahiya, six in separate incidents across Gaza City, Nuseirat camp, and Rafah, and four in Beit Hanoun. No immediate comment was issued by the Israeli military regarding these strikes. Israeli forces have been reported to operate in Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahiya, and the Jabalia camp since October as part of efforts to prevent Hamas militants from regrouping.
Claims of ethnic cleansing were made by Palestinians, accusing Israel of attempting to depopulate northern Gaza to establish a buffer zone. These allegations were denied by Israel.
Intensive diplomatic efforts were made by the U.S., alongside Egyptian and Qatari mediators, to secure an agreement before President Joe Biden’s term ends next month. In Jerusalem, Israeli President Isaac Herzog was reported to have met Adam Boehler, a U.S. envoy, regarding the hostages held by Hamas. Statements attributed to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump warned of severe consequences if hostages are not released by January 20.
CIA Director William Burns was scheduled to meet Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Doha to address remaining gaps in the negotiations. Israeli negotiators were reported to have visited Doha earlier this week as part of efforts to align positions with Hamas.
Previous negotiation attempts over the past year have failed, largely due to Israel’s insistence on maintaining a military presence in Gaza and Hamas’s refusal to release hostages without troop withdrawal.
The war, which began with a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel killing around 1,200 people and resulting in over 250 hostages being taken, has caused widespread devastation. More than 45,000 Palestinians have been killed, the majority of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced, and large parts of the region have been reduced to ruins. International isolation of Israel has reportedly intensified as a result.
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