Qatar announced on Thursday that its ongoing negotiations with Egypt regarding the details of the ceasefire plan between Israel and Hamas in Gaza are proceeding positively. This statement from Qatar responds to Israeli claims that there will be no halt in fighting or release of hostages held in Gaza before Friday. Qatar’s official news agency quoted the spokesperson of the Qatari Foreign Ministry, Majid bin Mohammed Al Ansari, stating that the announcement of the ceasefire’s commencement is expected in the coming hours.
Al Ansari emphasized Qatar’s continuous efforts with both parties involved, as well as with Egypt and the United States, to ensure a swift initiation of the ceasefire and provision of necessary measures to maintain the parties’ commitment to the agreement.
Earlier, Israel’s National Security Advisor, Tzachi Hanegbi, noted that negotiations for the release of the hostages are ongoing, with the release expected to start not before Friday. The Israel-Hamas agreement entails a four-day ceasefire, during which Hamas will release 50 women and children held in Gaza in exchange for the release of 150 Palestinian women and children from Israeli prisons. This agreement also includes a cessation of hostilities and the entry of large shipments of aid and fuel to the Gaza Strip.
Israeli media had speculated on a plan to release the first batch of hostages by Thursday noon, following the start of the ceasefire believed to commence at 10 AM local time. Even the Israeli government’s office had invited journalists on Wednesday evening to a media center in Tel Aviv dedicated to the “return of the hostages” starting Thursday noon.
Qatar’s mediation highlights its significant role in facilitating dialogue and negotiation in the complex geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. Its involvement in the ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas, in collaboration with Egypt, reflects Qatar’s growing diplomatic influence and commitment to resolving regional conflicts. The evolving situation in Gaza, marked by the imminent ceasefire and hostage release, underscores the intricate balance of power and the necessity for diplomatic engagement in the region.
