Exclusive: Progress is being made in ceasefire talks, modest however

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
24 Jan 2024 19:10
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A senior official in the Palestenian resistance tells Al Mayadeen that "Israel" aims to reach a gradual ceasefire deal with the resistance factions which could eventually result in a long-term cessation of hostilities.

Israeli occupation soldiers carry the flag-draped casket of reservist Sgt. First Class Nicholas Berger during his funeral at Mt. Herzl military cemetery in Occupied Al Quds, Occupied Palestine, Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024 (AP)

A senior official in the Palestinian resistance told Al Mayadeen that there is "clear progress in the ceasefire talks [is being made], but this progress is still in its early stages."

The source added that "Israel" informed the mediators that it aims to reach a gradual ceasefire deal with the resistance factions which could eventually result in long-term cessation of hostilities.

He also pointed out that "Hamas insists on a comprehensive and complete agreement for a ceasefire and the withdrawal of the IOF from Gaza," adding that "Hamas insists on urgent humanitarian and medical relief for the humanitarian situation, medical conditions, reconstruction, and the liberation of prisoners."

Ending Gaza war would strengthen Hezbollah against 'Israel': Gallant

In a meeting earlier this week with the heads of local authorities in Israeli settlements in northern occupied Palestine, Israeli Minister of Security Yoav Gallant warned that announcing a date for the return of settlers to the north will play into the hands of Hezbollah, pointing out that it is more advisable to leave that unclear, Israeli media reported.

According to Israeli Channel 11, Gallant cautioned during the meeting against ending the war in Gaza before "completely dismantling Hamas," and believed that it would strengthen Hezbollah against "Israel".

The Israeli Cabinet refrained from specifying a "final date" for a political solution in the north, while informed sources mentioned that Netanyahu and Gallant requested that ambiguity be adopted in this regard.

Channel 11 reported that Confrontation Line Forum Chair Moshe Davidovich asked Netanyahu for answers regarding the situation of the northern settlers but did not receive any.

In a related context, the Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that nearly 80,000 settlers living near the Lebanese border evacuated the area since the beginning of the war, highlighting that 4 out of 10 who were evacuated will not return.