Israel and Hamas are willing to negotiate a ceasefire, says newspaper

The US, Egypt and Qatar are pressuring Israel and Hamas to reach a diplomatic agreement to release hostages held by the paramilitary group in the Gaza Strip, which could end the war. Conversations in this regard should take place in Cairo, the Egyptian capital, in the coming days. The information is from Wall Street Journal.

Proposals for a diplomatic agreement have already been rejected by both sides since the end of the last ceasefire, in force from November 24th to 30th. According to the American newspaper, with information from people involved in the conversations, both the Israeli government and Hamas would be open to negotiating new terms of the agreement.

“The willingness of both parties to discuss the situation was a positive step. Mediators are now working to fill the gaps,” a person involved in the negotiations told the newspaper.

On October 7, when the war began, Hamas kidnapped around 240 hostages, including Israelis and foreigners. One hundred of them were released in exchange for 300 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

The proposal that is on the table at the moment aims to release all hostages, the withdrawal of the Israeli military from Gaza and, eventually, an end to the conflict.

Also according to the Wall Street Journal, Israeli negotiators want a suspension of fighting for two weeks to allow for new exchanges of hostages for prisoners. On the other hand, they oppose a permanent ceasefire.

In a statement made in December, Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said that the country is “more determined than ever” in winning the war and “dismantle Hamas”. He declared that the military will fight until the Gaza Strip is “demilitarized” It is “under Israeli security control”.

Starting on October 7, the conflict has left more than 26,600 dead and 75,400 injured, according to local authorities.

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