International mediators announced Tuesday that Israel and Hamas may reach a ceasefire agreement “in days,” should current negotiations maintain momentum. According to one senior official, discussions have advanced significantly since last week with “full and complete coordination among all major stakeholders.”
Following an in-house meeting in Cairo between Egyptian, Qatari, and U.S. diplomats who have been mediating indirect negotiations between warring parties. A senior Egyptian official spoke anonymously as per sensitivity of negotiations: “We are getting closer. Both parties have shown willingness for peace talks. If nothing changes drastically on the ground we could see an agreement within days.”
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is also currently traveling through the Middle East region and expressed cautious optimism: “We are encouraged by progress…we believe there may be an emerging framework that addresses both humanitarian concerns and long-term security needs,” Blinken told journalists during a press conference in Amman. Additionally, he reiterated US pressure for an “sustainable and enforceable ceasefire that allows aid deliveries into Gaza as well as secures release of hostages held by militant groups.
A potential ceasefire would aim to bring an end to a nine-month-long conflict that has claimed over 35,000 Palestinian lives and 300 Israeli soldiers according to various reports. Gaza is in ruins with much of the Strip lacking electricity, clean water and functional hospitals – prompting increased calls from United Nations agencies and international aid organizations for an immediate end to hostilities.
Israel officials have been coy in public comments; however, recent statements indicate increasing support within their ranks for a negotiated pause. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant acknowledged “ongoing talks are being monitored closely,” while noting any deal must ensure long-term security for Israeli citizens and demilitarize Hamas-controlled areas.
Hamas officials, on the other hand, have demanded guarantees regarding reconstruction aid, the return of displaced civilians and lifting of Israel’s blockade on Gaza. A key sticking point remains hostages taken during October’s attack in southern Israel – mediators are currently working toward reaching an accord regarding their release in phases.
Analysts believe the increasing costs of continued conflict may be altering both sides’ calculus. “Nobody denies how costly this war has been,” stated Dr. Liora Finkelstein of Tel Aviv University’s Center for Conflict Resolution as she noted that an end to hostilities “is both needed and inevitable.”
As the world waits, civilians in Israel and Gaza cling to hope that peace may finally be within reach.