Israel says ‘significant gaps’ in hostage deal
Israel announced on sunday (local time) that there were "significant gaps" following negotiations with the US, qatar, and egypt about halting military operations against Hamas in Gaza and releasing the remaining hostages.
However, israel described the discussions as "constructive" and stated that they will continue in the next week, a possible indication of progress that might see the Jewish state pausing its onslaught in Gaza in return for the release of remaining hostages, according to the Associated Press.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office did not define the "significant gaps" in the ceasefire discussions. Other parties participating in the negotiations provided no further comment or declaration.
The revelation occurred after The New York Times reported that US officials were thought to have prepared a tentative agreement combining Israeli and Hamas demands that would result in the release of the other captives. The agreement would also call for a two-month break in the battle, according to the article.
A previous ceasefire arrangement negotiated by qatar between israel and Hamas in november of last year resulted in the release of more than 100 Israeli captives as well as the release of over 150 Palestinians detained in Israeli jails. The accord also resulted in a respite in warfare. The truce was extended twice before israel launched its armed operations against Hamas in Gaza.
However, israel described the discussions as "constructive" and stated that they will continue in the next week, a possible indication of progress that might see the Jewish state pausing its onslaught in Gaza in return for the release of remaining hostages, according to the Associated Press.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office did not define the "significant gaps" in the ceasefire discussions. Other parties participating in the negotiations provided no further comment or declaration.
The revelation occurred after The New York Times reported that US officials were thought to have prepared a tentative agreement combining Israeli and Hamas demands that would result in the release of the other captives. The agreement would also call for a two-month break in the battle, according to the article.
A previous ceasefire arrangement negotiated by qatar between israel and Hamas in november of last year resulted in the release of more than 100 Israeli captives as well as the release of over 150 Palestinians detained in Israeli jails. The accord also resulted in a respite in warfare. The truce was extended twice before israel launched its armed operations against Hamas in Gaza.