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Ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas near, could pause 14-month conflict: Biden

Israel and Hamas have been engaged in indirect talks, mediated by Qatar, the US, and Egypt, but progress has been slow due to disagreements over issues like prisoner exchanges and Israeli troop withdrawals.

Joe Biden has said his administration is on the brink of sealing a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas that could pause the war after more than 14 months of fighting. (File Photo)

US President Joe Biden has stated that his administration is close to finalising a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, potentially bringing an end to over 14 months of hostilities. Speaking in Washington, Biden said the proposed deal aligns with a “plan I detailed months ago.”

Jake Sullivan, the US national security adviser, added there is a “distinct possibility” of reaching an agreement this week, as pressure mounts on both sides. “We are close to a deal,” Sullivan said during a White House briefing, though he stopped short of making a definitive prediction, reported The Guardian.

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Israel and Hamas have been engaged in indirect talks, mediated by Qatar, the US, and Egypt, but progress has been slow due to disagreements over issues like prisoner exchanges and Israeli troop withdrawals.

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Gideon Saar, Israel’s foreign minister, highlighted ongoing efforts, describing the negotiations as “intensifying.”

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Reports from Qatar suggest promising developments, though officials have yet to confirm a final agreement.

Meanwhile, humanitarian concerns in Gaza continue to escalate, with over 46,500 Palestinians reported dead since the fighting began in October 2023, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

The Guardian reports that while optimism for a breakthrough remains high, political opposition within Israel and unresolved points in the deal could still pose significant challenge.

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